Cleared suspects in drug cases may get out sooner

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the automatic review of dismissed drug cases should be made “without prejudice to the right of the respondent to be immediately released from detention” unless an accused was being held on another case.

Individuals facing drug charges may now be freed from jail upon dismissal of the cases against them unlike before when they had to wait for a clearance from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has issued Department Circular 12 which, she said, would resolve issues over the delay in the disposition of drug-related cases, citing the government’s responsibility to ensure the swift delivery of justice.

“The issuance underscores the DOJ’s commitment to improve the administration of justice by providing a just, speedy and effective means to resolve illegal drugs cases and at all times respect human rights,” De Lima said.

In her order, the justice secretary said the automatic review of dismissed drug cases should be made “without prejudice to the right of the respondent to be immediately released from detention” unless an accused was being held on another case.

Prior to the order, drug suspects could not be released from jail even if the cases against them had been dismissed until the DOJ resolved any pending petitions for review. Marlon Ramos