MANILA — The Senate on Tuesday investigated the so-called “PDEA Leaks.”

The hearing focused on 2 documents released by blogger Maharlika, detailing  Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency operations against 2 personalities in 2012.

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Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa questioned PDEA Director General Moro Virgilio Lazo about the legitimacy of the documents circulating on social media.

"Siguradong sigurado po kami walang dokumentong ganyan,” Lazo responded.

The alleged source of the documents is former PDEA agent Jonathan Morales. He claimed the documents were genuine and that he authored and signed them.

However, he denied being Maharlika’s source.

Dela Rosa pressed Morales “to set the record straight."

"Hindi po. Kaya nga sabi ko dapat managot ultimo yung Maharlika. Gusto ko siya mademanda kasi nga ngayon pati ako nadadamay dito sa lintik na dokumento na yan,” Morales said.

Dela Rosa emphasized the danger of such sensitive documents being leaked and made public.

This concern was echoed by representatives from the National Privacy Commission, who said those spreading such documents could face legal repercussions.

Alma Flores-Foronda, Director IV of the Civil Service Commission, cautioned that individuals proven to have disclosed confidential information could face imprisonment for up to 10 years.

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"Yung divulging of confidential information is being penalized by two laws. We have Republic Act 6713, under Section 7, ito ‘yung code of conduct and ethical standards for government officials and employees and also under the anti-graft and corrupt practices act, Section 3,” Foronda said

Tempers flared during the hearing when Dela Rosa’s staff informed him that Maharlika had posted on social media alleging unfairness in his investigation into the PDEA leaks.

"Maharlika, punta ka dito pakinggan ka namin, hindi ‘yung gagamitin mo ‘yung power of the media para siraan ako," he said.

Dela Rosa said the investigation would continue on May 7, with Maharlika invited to attend.