DOJ won’t stand in the way of de Lima seeking release via habeas corpus – Remulla
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DOJ) will not block the move to release former senator Leila de Lima if her camp will file a habeas corpus petition, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Thursday.
“I told them habeas corpus might be the remedy kasi yung bail nila dati nag-fail na, na-dismiss na yung dating bail petition and sinabi ko naman [their previous bail petition was dismissed, and] we offered to back channel before but there was no response. So, we are hoping na matapos na yan,” Remulla said referring to his response when members of the European Union’s (EU) Subcommittee on Human Rights brought up De Lima’s case during their meeting.
De Lima has been in detention at the Philippine Custodial Center in Camp Crame since 2017 after drug charges have been filed against her.
One of the three-drug charges against her have been dismissed while two others are still an ongoing trial. Witnesses against the former senator have already recanted their testimonies.
A writ of habeas corpus is a remedy applicable to cases of illegal confinement or detention where a person is deprived of his or her liberty or the rightful custody of any person is withheld from the person entitled thereto.
Gigi Reyes, the former chief of staff of Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, has been released from detention despite facing a non-bailable offense of plunder after the Supreme Court granted her habeas corpus petition.
“We just want things to end properly kaya lang syempre kasi nga yung kaso ni Gigi Reyes almost nine years, Leila has been there for six years probably it might be good for the court, we will not oppose it,” Remulla said.
RELATED STORIES:
SC on Gigi Reyes’ case: Nine years is far too long in detention
US senators call for De Lima’s urgent freedom; PH senator grateful
De Lima can only be released on bail, says DOJ chief Guevarra
Sandra Cam to De Lima: Sorry, I was used
