MANILA – Senator Panfilo Lacson expressed interest on Tuesday to invite Senator Leila de Lima’s former bodyguard and driver Ronnie Dayan in the Senate investigation on the killing of former Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolanda Espinosa.
Lacson made the comment after joint operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) from La Union and Pangasinan arrested Dayan in a remote barangay in La Union on Tuesday morning.
The senator, however, clarified that his Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs will focus first on the slain mayor’s son, Kerwin Espinosa, who is set to appear before the Senate inquiry on Wednesday.
Lacson said it would be better to invite Dayan in the next Senate hearing to also give the Philippine National Police (PNP) enough time to deal with De Lima’s former driver.
”Maybe he will be invited in the next hearing. Let’s give the PNP enough time to prepare,” Lacson said.
Dayan went on hiding since he was tagged as bagman of De Lima in connection with the alleged illicit drug trades inside the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
De Lima earlier confirmed rumors that she was once in a romantic relationship with Dayan.
The lady senator, however, denied allegations about her link in the illegal drug trades.
In a press statement she issued on Tuesday, De Lima said she is hoping that Dayan will be treated properly by the authorities.
”Ganoon na rin ang panawagan ko sa Pangulo para sa iba pang mga tetistigo laban sa akin katulad ni Kerwin Espinosa. Ako naman talaga ang habol ninyo. Huwag na ninyo silang pahirapan pa, mga criminal man sila o hindi,” De Lima said. Jelly Musico/PNA-northboundasia.com