MANILA, Philippines – Former president Benigno Aquino III is hoping that there would be a fair investigation into the complaints filed against his party mate Senator Leila de Lima.

Aquino on Sunday, November 6, expressed confidence that his former justice secretary would be able to hurdle the cases against her.

No less than Aquino’s successor, President Rodrigo Duterte, accused De Lima of involvement in the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). De Lima has repeatedly denied the allegation.

“We are waiting for the truth and I think, [Senator de Lima] can issue her positions and points to clear her name,” said the former president during a gathering of anti-Marcos protesters at Luneta Park in Manila.

Aquino also stressed that justice must prevail in the country, as he recalled the fraudulent trial his father went through during the Martial Law era under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“Pinakamadilim na bahagi ng Martial Law na aking personal na naranasan ‘yung paglilitis sa aking ama. Talagang pinapabasa sa mga testigo umano ‘yung script at ‘pag nagkamali ng sagot, hihinto ‘yung pagdinig at inuulit basahin ‘yung script,” said the son and namesake of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. (READ: Aquino: Martial Law not just between my family, Marcoses)

(One of the darkest parts of Martial Law that I personally experienced was during my father’s trial when the witnesses were ordered to read prepared testimonies. If they answer contrary to the script, the trial would pause and they would reread the script.)

“Inaasahan natin ‘yung pinaglaban natin na may hustisya, talagang umiiral sa bansa,” he added. 

(We hope that the justice we fought for prevails in our country.)

There have been two complaints filed before the Department of Justice against De Lima. The Liberal Party senator is also facing a case before the Supreme Court filed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption that seeks to disbar her from practicing law.

De Lima’s legal battles came after the House of Representatives wrapped up its congressional probe into the NBP drug trade last month. – Rappler.com