Pampanga court sets hearing on Delfin Lee’s jail transfer

MANILA, Philippines - A Pampanga Regional Trial Court is set to hear the request of an RTC executive judge to transfer Globe Asiatique president Delfin Lee from the provincial jail to a city jail.

RTC Branch 42 Judge Amifaith Reyes set the hearing on Nov. 9.

RTC Executive Judge Divina Luz Simbulan sought Lee’s transfer, saying he is getting special treatment and has a bodyguard at the provincial jail. She conducted a surprise visit to the provincial jail last July 13 and saw Lee conferring with his lawyer at his cell, which is also prohibited in jails.

Simbulan – who earlier said Lee should be transferred to the city jail in Barangay Telabastagan – said the Arayat jail, which is not overcrowded, would be more conducive for Lee.

“Per verification from the BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) and Pampanga provincial jail wardens, BJMP Arayat could ideally accommodate 30 inmates and has 32 inmates as of Oct. 6,” she said.

Lee had opposed his transfer to a smaller jail, dismissing as “conjectures and hearsay” allegations that he is getting special treatment at the provincial jail.