De Lima and the other respondents were specifically charged with violation of Section 5 (sale and trading of illegal drugs) in relation to Section 26 (b) (conspiracy) of RA 9165. Baraan was accused of receiving millions from the illicit drug trade at the NBP while Bucayu was charged with collecting drug money. The VACC accused de Lima of using her power to protect inmates peddling drugs at the state penitentiary. de Lima utilized her power and authority as then Secretary of Justice to abet and even promote the proliferation of massive drug trade inside the Bilibid,” the group said, adding that the former Justice chief used drug money for her political ambition. “Each one of them had played significant roles in order to ensure the perpetuation of the illegal drug trade inside the Bilibid.

Source: Manila Times October 11, 2016 17:03 UTC