Joenel Sanchez, the former security aide of Sen. Leila de Lima who accused her of having an affair with her driver-bodyguard, turned out to have been in a relationship with the former Justice secretary as well.
This was the allegation made by New Bilibid Prison inmate and convict Jaybee Sebastian, who appeared for the first time on Monday at a House inquiry into the alleged proliferation of illegal drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison.
In his testimony, Sebastian recounted an instance when De Lima was visiting him at the national penitentiary, accompanied by her then security aide, Sanchez.
"Habang kami ay nagkukuwentuhan, nakita namin sila [De Lima at Sanchez] na nag-holding hands," said Sebastian.
The Bilibid inmate claimed that De Lima even called Sanchez as "sweetie."
Sebastian also recounted an incident when Sanchez wrongly sent him a text message supposedly meant for De Lima. The message also contained the two's term of endearment, "sweetie."
"Dahil sa text ni Joenel, nabuo sa isip ko na siya ay may special na relasyon kay De Lima," said Sebastian.
Just last week, Sanchez had testified, also before the House justice committee, about the rumored romantic relationship between De Lima and her erstwhile driver, Ronnie Dayan, and testified about the existence of their alleged sex video.
Apart from a supposed romance with De Lima, Sanchez also reportedly accepted money from Sebastian on behalf of the then Justice secretary.
Sebastian said following the December 15, 2014 raid at the NBP, he sent P2 million to De Lima through Sanchez.
The NBP inmate said he then called up Sanchez to confirm if De Lima had already received the money.
"May narinig ako sa linya na kaboses ni Sec. De Lima... sabi ko, 'Natanggap niyo po ba ang regalo ko sa inyo?'" recounted Sebastian.
De Lima allegedly replied: "Yes, Jaybee. Merry Christmas."
Source:GMA NEWS
