CHR: Gov’t should uphold De Lima’s constitutional rights

MANILA, Philippines — Four years since opposition Sen. Leila de Lima was detained on drug charges, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) reiterated on Saturday that the state must uphold the constitutional rights of the senator and other persons deprived of liberty.

“We continue to remind the government that detention and imprisonment do not diminish the government’s obligation to respect human rights and dignity,” CHR Commissioner Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

These constitutional rights include due process, presumption of innocence and right to speedy and impartial trial, she said.

“Every prolonged day that an innocent person remains in detention is an affront to human rights,” she added.