Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Manila mayor's son denies drug charges
THE embattled son of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who was arrested for possession of 98.28 grams of methamphetamine commonly known as shabu, on Tuesday claimed innocence in the drug charges, saying these were trumped up simply to embarrass his father.
Manny Santos Lim, 44, was brought by elements of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for a preliminary investigation along with two other suspects.
The hearing was supposedly opened to the public, but the cramped space has forced State Prosecutor Nolibien Quiambao to close the door to the media and a number of Manny's teary-eyed supporters who insisted on his innocence.
Represented by lawyer Mario Ongkiko, the younger Lim issued an appeal to the media and the public not to treat him as if he is already guilty of the drug charges following his arrest by PDEA policemen last March 14.
Manny said the charges were due to the fact that his father is a staunch ally of former President Joseph Estrada.
"I have read or heard the statements of my father -- I understand them as words coming from a politician. I take exception to any insinuation that I expect the help of my father in my case," he said.
"My father is totally irrelevant to my case and I wish his name would not be mentioned every time my case is the topic. In the meantime, let no one make any judgmental statements; let the proper court make its judgment upon my innocence or guilt, after due trial," he added.
Ongkiko asked the media to give Manny a chance to defend himself before the court and not to jump into any conclusion. He said they would submit their counter-affidavit on Monday.
Mayor Lim, who is known for his "Dirty Harry" tactics of spray-painting the houses of known drug pushers in Manila and in launching a shame campaign against them, said he will not meddle in his son's case, adding that it has been his policy not to tolerate any wrongdoing even of a family member.
Manny was arrested by PDEA policemen after he and his two cohorts, Joel Sabado and Ronald Pascual, tried to sell shabu to a police poseur buyer. They were collared at 1:45 p.m. last Friday at Espeleta Street in Sta. Cruz for 98.7821 grams of shabu worth P340,000.
They were subsequently charged with violation of the illegal drugs law. Selling drugs is a non-bailable offense that carries a life sentence. (ECV/Sunnex)
