PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte revealed Wednesday that detained Senator Leila De Lima will be facing another charge soon in connection with the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) implemented during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III.
The President made the announcement at the conferment rites of the Gawad Executive Service and the 2017 Outstanding Government Workers held at Malacañang's Rizal Hall.
"De Lima, she has a case coming up related to DAP. I could not believe really whenever we talk about it (her involvement there)," Duterte said in his speech.
"This woman has done too much. She's really thick-faced," he added.
Duterte, however, did not provide details regarding De Lima's supposed involvement in DAP, which was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
De Lima was among Duterte's staunchest critics who have been critical of the policies and programs implemented by the current administration.
The senator has repeatedly expressed strong opposition to Duterte's crackdown on illegal drugs that killed thousands of individuals.
Her opposing views with Duterte has resulted in her arrest on February 24 after being accused of pocketing money purportedly collected from illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City when she was still the Justice Secretary.
The Department of Justice has filed three cases against De Lima for alleged violation of Anti-Dangerous Drugs Act, in connection with her supposed drug links inside the national penitentiary.
She is currently detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The President also hinted that apart from De Lima, some government officials would also face charges as he opted not to enforce "selective justice."
"To workers in the government, do not commit a mistake [of being involved in any irregularities,” Duterte said. "I said, sauce for the gander, sauce for the goose. No yellow was [facing charges] to date, except De Lima."
On Tuesday, Duterte said a case would also be filed against his another critic, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, for alleged misuse of DAP. (VoxPop Philippines)
