De Lima cleared of final drug charge

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Former senator Leila de Lima has been acquitted of her last remaining drug-related charge, marking the end of a legal battle that kept her detained for over six years.

On Monday, Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 Judge Gener Gito dismissed De Lima’s conspiracy to commit a drug trading case due to insufficient evidence.

Gito granted the demurrer to evidence filed by De Lima’s camp, resulting in her acquittal along with her co-accused: former Bureau of Corrections director Franklin Bucayu, ex-bodyguard Ronnie Dayan, and former aides Joenel Sanchez and Jad Dera.

“Assessing the totality of the evidence presented by the prosecution, the Court is of the firm resolve and so holds that the prosecution was not able to prove the guilt of all accused beyond a reasonable doubt,” the court stated.

However, the prosecution plans to file a motion for reconsideration.

De Lima’s demurrer, filed in March, argued that the prosecution failed to establish her involvement in illegal drug trading. She had previously been cleared of two other drug-related cases—one in February 2021 by Muntinlupa RTC Branch 205 and another last year by Branch 204.

Additionally, a Quezon City court dismissed two disobedience cases against her, filed in 2017 by Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, then-House Speaker, and former congressmen Rodolfo Fariñas and the late Reynaldo Umali.

Detained at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City since February 2017, De Lima was granted bail in November last year.

Reactions and Statements

Senator Risa Hontiveros lauded the court’s decision, emphasizing that justice is founded on truth and evidence, not on baseless charges and political motivations.

“She has faced public ridicule and injustices, yet she remained steadfast in her commitment to truth and justice,” Hontiveros stated, calling for accountability for those who brought unfounded allegations against De Lima.

“False charges compromise not only the accused’s reputation but also the integrity of our legal system,” Hontiveros added. “Justice must be served, and those who have wronged her and our legal system must face the consequences of their actions.”

European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron on her post via X praised the court’s decision. “I share the joy of Atty. Leila de Lima and her co-defendants who were cleared of all charges today by the Muntinlupa City Court,” he posted on.

“After so many years, this is a victory for justice!” He further stated that the EU “applauds and stands alongside this verdict for justice and human rights.”