(UPDATED- 1:03 p.m./FIRST POSTED – 12:04 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines – Four lawmakers from the Senate minority bloc visited Sen. Leila de Lima at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City a day before the resumption of legislative sessions.
Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Francis Pangilinan, and Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros and Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Monday went to De Lima’s detention cell past 11 a.m. after the four met at the residence of Drilon.
The minority leader told reporters that they had discussed with De Lima the Senate’s agenda in the next five days including deliberations on the death penalty bill. Drilon also said minority senators were supporting De Lima’s intention to join Senate sessions.
Last week, Drilon said the minority bloc would ask the Supreme Court to allow De Lima to vote on the death penalty bill. According to the minority leader, the death of the bill at the Upper House is certain as 13 senators are bent on blocking its passage.
Earlier in the day, De Lima said she wanted to participate in Senate sessions and that her legal team was already studying options for her to be allowed to take part in deliberations of legislative measures and attend other official functions at the Upper House.
De Lima said she was hoping to join her colleagues in deliberating on important measures, particularly the proposed revival of death penalty, lowering the criminal age responsibility, and the postponement of barangay elections, among others.
