THE United States and several other countries yesterday cheered the decision of the Muntinlupa City regional trial court to acquit former senator Leila de Lima in the third and last drug-related case filed by the Duterte administration to silence her amid her criticisms of latter’s bloody drug war.
“We welcome the news that all cases against Atty. Leila de Lima have been dismissed. The United States supports rule of law and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms around the world,” US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson said.
Luc Veron, the ambassador to Manila of the European Union, said the court’s decision is a victory for justice.
“I share the joy of Atty. Leila de Lima and her co-defendants who were cleared of all charges by the Muntinlupa City court. After so many years, this is a victory for justice,” Veron said, adding the 26-member bloc applauds and stands alongside the verdict that shows justice and human rights.
Canadian Ambassador David Hartmann likewise said his government welcomes the court decision. “Transparency, evidence and independence of the judiciary are essential to our democratic system of justice,” he said.
De Lima’s acquittal, according to German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffern, is a “significant victory for justice and the rule of law” in the Philippines.
“Grateful that she can continue her vital work in advocating for truth and justice,” the German envoy said.
At the same time, Pfaffern urged the Philippine government to quickly resolve all cases of extrajudicial killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.
British Ambassador Laure Beaufels said the court’s decision is a “significant step for the rule of law” in the Philippines.
“We are heartened that Atty. De Lima will now be able to enjoy her unmitigated freedom,” Beaufels said.
For his part, Australian Ambassador Hae Kyung Yu said Canberra is pleased with the court’s decision. “I’m grateful to have met this strong and courageous woman. Australia continues to support the rule of law and respect for human rights,” she said.
Ambassador of the Netherlands Marielle Geraedts and French Ambassador Marie Fontanel also added their voice in welcoming the acquittal of the former senator, adding that justice is finally served.
The Muntinlupa trial court on Monday granted the petition for demurrer to evidence filed by De Lima’s camp, effectively dismissing the last drug-related case filed against the former secretary of the Department of Justice.
In an interview with reporters after the court hearing, De Lima said she can now sleep more soundly at night, without worrying about getting jailed again.
De Lima also said she never wavered in her belief that she will be found innocent of all the charges against her even when she was still in detention at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.
A former Commission on Human Rights head, De Lima said she will also help with the investigation by the International Criminal Court into the alleged crimes against humanity committed by former president Rodrigo Duterte and his men in connection with his bloody anti-drug crackdown.
‘JUSTICE’
Senate President Francis Escudero congratulated De Lima for “finally getting justice.”
In a statement, Escudero said De Lima “faced her accusers head-on” even if the circumstances at the time was not on her side.
“I congratulate former senator de Lima not only for finally getting justice, but for facing her accusers head-on and following and believing in the rule of law however unfair it may have looked upon her at that time,” Escudero said.
“As a fellow Bicolano, I am proud of her resilience and unwavering faith in God and in the truth,” he added.
Asked if De Lima has a “good chance” of making a comeback in the Senate, Escudero said: “I hope so because she deserves to be in the Senate.” “But, is she running?” he added.
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, a close ally of Duterte, said: “We have to respect the decision of the court.” – With Raymond Africa
