Speaker Pantaleon ‘Bebot’ Alvarez reacted on de Lima’s denials on illegal drug connections.
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said that the persistent denials of Senator Leila de Lima of her links to illegal drugs despite the claims of various persons make her a “serial liar.”
This was the reaction of Alvarez before de Lima’s ex-bodyguard driver faces the hearing before the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Dayan, who was caught in La Union on Tuesday admitted having an affair with de Lima, is alleged to have received money on behalf of the senator from convicted drug lords at the National Bilibid Prisons and from alleged Visayan drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.
In a television interview, Alvarez said, “Bilib nga rin ako kay Senator De Lima, talagang magaling siyang magsinungaling (I am in awe of Senator De Lima, she really lies so well). I think she is really a serial liar.”
When asked for the basis why he said so, Alvarez said: “Kasi lahat na ng tao nagsasabi na na may kaugnayan siya (to drugs), nag-deliver ng pera sa kanya, tapos ngayon sasabihin niya, dine-deny pa rin niya. Pambihira (Because everyone says she is involved, delivered money to her, but she still denies it. Incredible).”
On Thursday morning, Dayan testifies at the House Committee on Justice about his knowledge of De Lima’s alleged links to the illegal drugs trade.
This is part of the investigation of the Lower House into the drug trade inside the national penitentiary.
The presence of Dayan at the House is done two days after he was arrested on a warrant of arrest issued by the house after he was cited in contempt.
During the press conference on Tuesday night, Dayan admitted he had collected money from Espinosa on De Lima’s behalf.
On Wednesday, the alleged drug lord of Eastern Visayas appeared before the Senate probe into the death of his father Rolando Sr., the mayor of Albuera, Leyte and said he had given funds to a “Ronnie” who claimed it was for De Lima.
READ: Senator Ping Lacson: Kerwin’s Testimony Is Not Solid
Dayan will remain under the custody of the House until the inquiry ends.