TARP SAYS IT ALL Former Sen. Leila de Lima (heart, with scarf) is greeted by her supporters, led by peace advocate Teresita “Ging” Deles (fourth from left), after the Muntinlupa Metropolis court docket on Monday, June 24, 2024, cleared her of the final drug-related case filed by the Duterte administration. INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — America (US) lauded the exoneration of former senator Leila de Lima from her final drug-related case and urged the Philippine authorities to resolve all “politically motivated instances” within the nation.
State Division spokesperson Matthew Miller mentioned in a press release Tuesday that the US stays “dedicated to working with the Philippine authorities to strengthen democracy and human rights.”
“We proceed to induce the Philippines to resolve politically motivated instances, together with these towards journalists and civil society, in a fashion according to its worldwide human rights obligations and commitments,” he additionally mentioned.
On Monday, June 24, a Muntinlupa court docket granted de Lima’s demurrer to proof petition for the dismissal of the third and closing drug case filed towards her by the Duterte administration.
READ: Vindication for De Lima as final drug case junked
De Lima’s camp filed the petition in March, arguing that the prosecution’s case has inadequate proof.
The decrease court docket’s choice to dismiss the drug expenses towards de Lima is tantamount to an acquittal of the previous senator, a staunch critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Now, all three drug-related instances that the Duterte administration filed towards her are dismissed.
“I really feel immense aid and pleasure proper now. I can now relaxation simpler and sleep extra soundly,” de Lima mentioned in Filipino throughout an ambush interview with members of the media after the Muntinlupa court docket’s choice on her third drug case was introduced Monday.
Earlier, European Union (EU) ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron mentioned the bloc welcomed de Lima’s acquittal as they stand alongside the decision of justice and human rights.
“I share the enjoyment of Atty. Leila de. Lima and her co-defendants who had been cleared of all expenses in the present day by the Muntinlupa Metropolis Court docket. After so a few years, it is a victory for justice!” Veron mentioned on X (previously Twitter).
READ: De Lima acquittal in final drug case will get cheers right here and overseas
De Lima’s colleagues within the political opposition additionally expressed happiness over her acquittal.
“Midday pa man, alam kong walang sala si Sen. Leila at umaapaw ang kaligayahan sa puso ko na ngayon ay nakamit na niya ang hustisya. From ‘Free Leila Now’ to ‘Now, Leila is free’,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros mentioned in a press release Monday.
(Even earlier than, I knew that [former] Sen. Leila was harmless and I’m extraordinarily glad now that she has achieved justice. From “Free Leila Now” to “Now, Leila is free.”)
“Ito’y patunay na ang katotohanan ay mananaig pa rin ang hustisya sa gitna ng mga kasinungalingan,” human rights lawyer Chel Diokno mentioned on X.
(This proves the reality that justice will nonetheless prevail even within the midst of lies.)
Each Hontiveros and Diokno, nevertheless, confused that individuals who unjustly accused de Lima of wrongdoing “should face the implications of their actions.”
“[W]e have to focus our consideration on those that have wrongly accused her. False expenses compromise not solely the accused’s popularity but in addition the integrity of our authorized system. We name upon the authorities to pursue and maintain accountable those that have perpetuated these unfounded allegations,” Hontiveros added.
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“Ang hukuman ay takbuhan ng taumbayan para matamo ang hustisya, hindi ito instrumento para sa maruming pamumulitika (Individuals go to the court docket to get justice, it’s not an instrument for soiled politics),” Diokno additionally mentioned. — Moss R. Laygo, trainee
