| Justice Sec. Leila de Lima |
AN irate Justice Secretary Leila de Lima blasted media over reports that she is grandstanding and told reporters not to interview her anymore so she won’t have to talk.
De Lima was furious especially after her own prosecutors branded her as the most talkative Cabinet secretary of President Benigno Aquino 3rd.
De Lima was also irked by a The Manila Times story about her ‘seemingly grandstanding’ move to appeal the case of the Alabang Boys. She turned the table on mediamen who she said are forcing her to be interviewed. She also denied suggestions that her department will push for a reversal of the acquittal of two of the so-called “Alabang Boys” to pursue her alleged political ambition.
“Every time I open my mouth, they accuse me of either grandstanding or electioneering. Maybe you should not ask me questions anymore so I don’t have to talk,” she told reporters.
A high-ranking prosecutor who refused to be identified said the law is clear that anyone who is acquitted of a crime cannot be prosecuted for the same offense anymore.
“Yung Alabang Boys [ruling] can no longer be appealed. Nagpapakitang gilas lang si Secretary dahil sa kanyang ambisyon sa 2013,” the prosecutor said.
Another prosecutor said that de Lima is media-hungry and would say anything in front of a TV camera even if her statement is not legally correct.
“The problem with Secretary de Lima is she’s too talkative. She forgot the principle of more talk more mistake, less talk less mistake,” he said.
