Rep. Leila de Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal Party-list expressed grief over the passing of Rafael Ragos, the former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer-in-charge and key government witness who initially testified against her in a high-profile drug case – only to later recant his statements, a move that played a vital role in her acquittal.
“I grieve with the family and loved ones of former NBI Deputy Director and BuCor OIC Rafael Ragos on his passing,” De Lima shared in a heartfelt Facebook post on August 13.
Ragos’ death was announced by his nephew, Winston Ragos, on August 12 via Facebook: “Thank you Tito Pael for your legacy in serving your family and our beloved country. RIP former NBI Deputy Director & BuCor Director General Rafael Marcos Z. Ragos.”
De Lima paid tribute to Ragos’ decision to recant his earlier testimony, which had implicated her in a drug case filed in Muntinlupa in 2017.
“I honor his conscience in recanting his false testimonies against me which led to my acquittal in one of the trumped-up illegal drug charges,” she said. “I thank him for his courage in identifying the personalities behind the conspiracy to destroy my reputation and put me in unjust detention.”
She added, “Mr. Ragos was used but he sought redemption. He asked for forgiveness, and I gave it to him. Alam ko na isa siya sa mga ginipit para siraan at ipakulong ako sa mga gawa-gawang paratang. Salamat sa tapang at paninindigan para maituwid ang mali at mangibabaw ang katotohanan. May the Lord grant him eternal peace.”
Ragos was the key government witness in case 17-165, filed by the Department of Justice against De Lima in February 2017.
He initially testified that he delivered P10 million to De Lima’s residence in November and December 2012.
However, in a sworn affidavit dated April 30, 2022, he recanted his statements, clearing De Lima and her former aide Ronnie Dayan.
The case, for conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading, was dismissed by a Muntinlupa court.
Government prosecutors filed a motion for reconsideration to reverse De Lima’s acquittal but withdrew the motion last month. (Jonathan Hicap)
