Remulla on de Lima’s acquittal: ‘Rule of law has prevailed’

PURSUING JUSTICE | Under heavy guard, former senator Leila de Lima, in this Jan. 27, 2023 photo, arrives at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court to attend a hearing set for one of her two remaining cases. (File photo by MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines–“The rule of law has prevailed,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Friday following the acquittal of former senator Leila de Lima.

He said the Muntinlupa court’s decision validates the Philippines’ judicial independence.

“The rule of law has prevailed and it just points out to us that the independence of the judiciary is a basic foundation of our democracy. So, it is good. It’s good for us,” Remulla told reporters.

When asked if the government can appeal the verdict, Remulla said  if an accused is acquitted, the prosecution typically cannot appeal the decision because the judgment of acquittal is immediately final and executory under general rules.

Therefore, the options for the government are limited once an acquittal is reached.

“There are only a few grounds for which the prosecution may file a certiorari before the CA (Court of Appeals). Those are very limited grounds,” Remulla said, referring to grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.

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