De Lima: Poll fraud witnesses have ‘explosive’ testimonies

At least three witnesses who have “explosive" testimonies regarding the irregularities that allegedly marred the 2004 and 2007 elections have already been contacted by the joint Department of Justice-Commission on Elections (DOJ-Comelec) investigating panel. This was according to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, who, at a press briefing on Thursday, said she has personally examined the witnesses and found their testimonies to be credible and “potentially explosive." “I have personally vetted them. They have implicated big names. These people have actual participation [in the cheating]," she said, adding that their statements are now being collated for use in the preliminary investigation. De Lima did not identify the witnesses for security purposes, but added that one of them had already applied to the government’s Witness Protection Program. “One of them submitted her affidavit to me and she immediately applied for witness protection. This is why we can’t reveal yet details about them so as not to jeopardize their security," she said. “The two others have also submitted their affidavits, but I’m not at liberty to discuss them. They are also potentially explosive witnesses," she added. De Lima also said they have two more possible witnesses, one of whom is supposedly being convinced by Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. to testify. De Lima also said they have already approved the joint panel’s rules of procedure. The DOJ-Comelec's fact-finding team was given 45 days to gather evidence and submit a report to the DOJ and the Comelec. Among the panel’s members are DOJ Assistant Secretary Zabedin M. Azis, Malabon-Navotas City Prosecutor Jorge G. Catalan Jr., Muntinlupa City Prosecutor Edward M. Togonon, government agents Cesar Bacani and Dante Jacinto; and lawyers Arnulfo Sorreda and Emmanuel Ignacio from the Comelec. On the other hand, De Lima said the Comelec asked for additional time to find a replacement for former law department head Ferdinand Rafanan, who was previously assigned to the preliminary investigation committee. The preliminary investigation committee, headed by Prosecutor General Claro Arellano, will carry out the main poll fraud inquiry. - Jam Sisante and Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News