Photo credit: Leila De Lima

Two crucial witnesses have come forward to recant their testimonies that implicated former Senator Leila De Lima in drug trading.

Rodolfo Magleo and former PO3 (Sergeant) Nonilo Arile, who were scheduled to testify in the trial, delivered a letter to De Lima, expressing their decision to withdraw their statements.

In a letter addressed to "Madam De Lima" the witnesses explained their motives for recanting, emphasizing their desire to ensure justice and prevent a possible mistrial.

The letter, which was handed over to the media by De Lima's lawyers, Boni Tacardon and Dino de Leon, disclosed the witnesses' intention to cooperate fully and urged immediate action from De Lima's legal representatives.

According to the correspondence, Magleo and Arile had contemplated recanting their statements as early as 2018 but faced communication barriers.

Driven by their conscience, the witnesses said they decided to step forward to prevent any miscarriage of justice.

In their letter, the witnesses recommended that De Lima send her lawyer-emissaries to Pasugui, Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro promptly for detailed discussions on their recantation.

Moreover, the witnesses revealed that five more state witnesses were poised to follow their lead.