Photo credit: ABS-CBN News
In a significant turn of events, former senator Leila de Lima has attended the hearing for her last drug case at the Muntinlupa Hall of Justice on November 13, 2023. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin stated there is a considerable chance De Lima will be acquitted after a Muntinlupa court granted her bail.
Remulla emphasized the significance of bail being granted, indicating the strength of evidence presented by the prosecution. He highlighted that De Lima’s final drug case, involving an alleged conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading with New Bilibid Prison inmates, is typically non-bailable. Judge Gener Gito of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 allowed De Lima to post P300,000 bail, citing a lack of substantial evidence from the prosecution.
Former Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio voiced skepticism about the case, stating that there should not have been a case against De Lima in the first place. The Commission on Human Rights welcomed the decision, emphasizing the right to a fair trial and speedy disposition of cases. De Lima, having spent nearly seven years in prison, revealed in an interview that she has forgiven those behind her detainment, except for former president Rodrigo Duterte. She plans to pursue legal action against those who fabricated charges and monitor the International Criminal Court’s investigation into Duterte’s alleged crimes against humanity.
