Ronnie Dayan admitted his relationship with Senator Leila de Lima lasted for seven years, before he went into hiding.
Ronnie Dayan, the ex-bodyguard and driver of Senator Leila de Lima, confirmed on Tuesday that he had a relationship with the female senator.
Dayan was arrested on November 22 morning, after months of hiding.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Dayan admitted that his relationship with De Lima lasted for seven years.
“Totoo po may relasyon kami, seven years,” Dayan said.
De Lima earlier admitted in a television interview that she had an affair with Dayan who is married but she did not elaborate how long the relationship was.
Following his arrest in La Union, Dayan was brought to Camp Crame and was presented to the media by Philippine National Police chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
Dayan is allegedly the bagman of former Department of Justice Secretary De Lima in collecting drug money from high-profile inmates who run the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison.
Dayan is now at the custody of the House of the Representatives after he was caught in La Union.
The former driver and security aide of De Lima was earlier found in contempt by the House panel after failure to attend any of the hearings on NBP drug trade despite repeated summons.
He will be detained at the Batasan Complex under the House Sergeant-at-Arms.
According to Dayan, he had no communication with De Lima while he was in hiding.
Upon knowing the news that Dayan was caught, De Lima said that she hope that authorities would ensure his safety.
De Lima became emotional on the news and she declined to give further statements about Dayan.
She left her office at the Senate early on Tuesday.
In response to the female senator’s comment, Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas said: “We assure Senator De Lima that we will treat him nicely.
On November 24, the House hearing on the NBP drug trade will resume, and Dayan promised to testify to the best of his knowledge.