Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Danton Bueser is inhibiting himself from hearing the petition of Senator Leila de Lima.
This is to avoid possible accusations of bias.
Bueser used to be a member of the Liberal Party (LP) when he served as Representative of the third district of Laguna for 3 terms, during the 11th, 12th and 13th Congress (1998 to 2007).
De Lima is also a member of LP.
Bueser took his oath in the appellate court on July 16, 2009.
On Tuesday, De Lima had asked the CA to stop the Department of Justice (DOJ) from conducting a preliminary investigation on her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade in New Bilibid Prison.
The senator had also asked the CA to issue a temporary restraining order against the DOJ’s proceeding, citing her right to due process.