During a press briefing on October 9, Vida said respecting the court’s processes, including complying with an arrest warrant, is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly.
“Malaki pong bagay… Ang hindi pagsunod o [pagtupad] sa batas ay malaking bagay,” Vida said.
Vida was responding to Leviste’s Facebook post on Wednesday telling his supporters not to worry about the arrest warrant issued against him by a Makati court, describing it as a small matter.
The justice chief said the recommended bail of ₱72,000 might be a small amount for the lawmaker, but emphasized that the issue goes beyond the monetary value.
“Ang paggalang natin sa proseso ng Korte at paggalang natin sa korte at sa proseso nito tulad ng arrest warrant ay malaking bagay. ‘Yung P72,000 maaaring maliit na bagay sa kanya pero hindi ito sa halaga lamang,” Vida said.
He stressed that Leviste should respect the legal process, particularly because he is a member of Congress.
“Ang mahalaga dito ay ‘yung paggalang sa batas kaya mahalagang bagay. May proseso sana galangin ni Cong. Leviste ‘yung proseso,” he said.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) earlier confirmed to DZRH News that Leviste remains abroad and has yet to return to the Philippines.
Leviste reportedly flew to France via Hong Kong on August 2. He was last reported to be in France with his mother, Senator Loren Legarda, who is undergoing medical treatment.
