MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police rejected yesterday the request of Senate President Vicente Sotto III to allow detained Sen. Leila de Lima to hold legislative hearings at the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde relayed the decision in a two-page letter to Sotto.

“It is with regret that the PNP could not act on the matter considering Senator De Lima’s status as a detention prisoner with restricted right to exercise profession and hold public office,” Albayalde said.

The PNP chief said it is up to the courts to decide whether to allow De Lima to conduct hearings in jail.

De Lima is facing drug charges before the Muntinlupa City regional trial court.

Sotto had asked the PNP to allow De Lima, who chairs the Senate committee on social justice, welfare and rural development, to hold hearings while in detention.

He said there was a need to take up six major bills approved by the House of Representatives, which have been referred to De Lima’s panel.

These bills cover public solicitations, magna carta for the poor, magna carta for day care workers, emergency volunteer protection, social welfare and development agencies, and rural employment assistance program. – Marvin Sy