Ronnie Dayan, the controversial driver and alleged lover of Sen. Leila M. de Lima, has been tagged as the principal resource person whose presence is indispensable in the forthcoming congressional probe on the alleged New Bilibid Prison drug trade.
Mindoro Oriental Rep. Reynaldo Umali, chairman of the House Committee on Justice, also disclosed that the House panel will send an invitation to De Lima to attend the hearing expected to be held on the third week of September.
However, Umali stressed the justice panel will accept De Lima’s decision on the invitation, saying that the House will observe parliamentary courtesy.
Umali, a Liberal Party colleague of De Lima, said sending her an invitation is not prohibited under the rule on parliamentary courtesy.
On the other hand, Dayan’s presence in the congressional investigation is vital in determining the truth behind the alleged drug trafficking activities at the NBP during De Lima’s time as Justice Secretary.
Umali said a subpoena will be issued on Dayan if he fails to show up once invited by the chamber.
Department of Justice witnesses claimed they can accurately pinpoint the link between Dayan and convicted drug traffickers in the narcotics operations.
Dayan has been accused of providing the incarcerated drug lords as they manufacture and distribute illegal narcotics.
“He would be principal to this investigation, therefore, it is imperative that he will be subpoenaed. I mean he will be invited first. Then eventually subpoenaed,” revealed Umali. (Ben R. Rosario)