EU parliament ‘arrogant’ in calling for De Lima release—Sotto

Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/RICHARD A. REYES

For the European Parliament to call for Senator Leila de Lima’s release was a “clear display of arrogance,” so said Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

“The European Parliament must be told that we are a democratic nation ruled by law. (Our) Judicial processes (are) fully functioning,” Sotto said in a text message on Friday.

“[Its] action in demanding the release of Senator De Lima is a clear display of arrogance of power and a pure interference in our domestic affairs,” he said.

On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a joint resolution, calling for the release of De Lima, who has been charged and detained at the Camp Crame over alleged drug links.

READ: EU Parliament calls for release of De Lima

But the parliament’s call did not sit well with Sotto as he urged the Philippine embassy in EU Capital to file a protest and explain De Lima’s case.

“Our embassy in EU Capital must file a Note Verbale of Protest and explain in full the case of Senator Leila,” he said.

“The DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) must see to it, it’s done. Baka akala nila pwede tayo basta apihin (They must be mistaken that they can just malign us)!” the senator added. IDL

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