MANILA, Philippines — Two co-accused of Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste posted bail, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Wednesday, as he stressed that the lawmaker must personally return to the Philippines and submit to the jurisdiction of the Makati court that issued his arrest warrant.
Vida said he had been informed that the two co-accused bail petitions were approved by the court and that their arraignment had been set.
The development comes as authorities move to implement an arrest warrant issued against Leviste in connection with the case filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) although he could not immediately provide the exact case number.
Asked how Leviste could avail himself of bail if he was abroad, Vida was categorical that the lawmaker must first submit himself to the court’s jurisdiction.
“He needs to submit to the jurisdiction of the court. So, kailangan siyang umuwi dito (he needs to come home here). Personally,” Vida told reporters.
The Justice secretary also rejected the possibility of Leviste surrendering through a Philippine embassy while abroad.
“Walang gano’n (There's no such thing). You need to submit to the jurisdiction personally,” Vida said.
He explained that the issue was ultimately about respecting the authority of the courts and complying with their orders.
“It’s more for the respect of the jurisdiction of the courts,” Vida said, warning that failure to comply with a court order undermines the judicial system.
Vida acknowledged that Leviste has been advocating reforms, but said such advocacy does not exempt anyone from complying with the law.
“I know he has been advocating certain reforms, and advocating reform is not violating the law,” Vida said.
“But if there is an arrest warrant, respetuhin natin at igalang natin ang kapangyarihan ng korte,” he added.
