De Lima: Duterte’s 2016 statements could be proof of ‘mistrial’

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncements prejudging her guilt could be a strong cause for “mistrial,” opposition Senator Leila de Lima said Friday.

“Doesn’t Mr. Duterte realize that his many public statements since August 0f 2016, all documented by media, which prejudge my guilt, are a veritable strong cause for a mistrial?” De Lima said in a statement sent from Camp Crame where she is being detained.

This was after Duterte insisted that the drug charges against De Lima are true.

“A farcical trial fueled by this President’s lies and vindictiveness borne out of deep-seated personal hatred and prejudice. That’s what it is!” De Lima said.

“Sadly, our court system remains insensitive to this travesty of justice,” she added.

De Lima, a staunch critic of Duterte’s war on illegal drugs, has been detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame since February 2017 for drug-related charges.

The senator, during her term as justice secretary, allegedly allowed the proliferation of illegal drugs at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) and allegedly received kickbacks from drug trafficking activities.

Edited by MUF