(Eagle News)–Two branches of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court have granted Senator Leila de Lima’s very urgent motion she be allowed to visit her ailing mother.
In separate 3-page orders, Branch 205 Judge Liezel Aquiatan and Branch 256 Judge Gener Gito allowed De Lima to travel to Naga from Aug. 14 to 15, with a maximum period of 48 hours, after the prosecution posed no objection to De Lima’s motion provided certain conditions such as a restricted time period were met.
The judges said Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde or his representative, in coordination with the court sheriff, shall “provide adequate personal escorts and security measures.”
They allowed De Lima to travel to the NICC Doctors Hospital in Iriga where her mother Norma was transferred on Aug. 9, or to any hospital where she is confined.
De Lima’s stay in the hospital, however, Aquiatan said, should not last for more than eight hours.
De Lima was also allowed to travel to the family house in Barangay San Agustin.
Bot Aquiatan and Gito said De Lima should bear all the necessary expenses in relation to the furlough.
Aquiatan also banned De Lima from granting interviews and from using communication gadgets during the furlough.
Both judges ordered the PNP to submit a report on the furlough within three days from Aug. 16.
De Lima is facing drug-related charges in Branches 205 and 206 in connection with her alleged participation in the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison when she was justice secretary.
She is facing other charges in another branch, and in a Quezon City court. Moira Encina
