‘A victory for justice,’ say rights advocates, diplomats

TARP SAYS IT ALL Former Sen. Leila de Lima (center, white blouse with scarf) is greeted by her supporters, led by peace advocate Teresita “Ging” Deles (fourth from left), after the Muntinlupa City court on Monday cleared her of the last drug-related case filed by the Duterte administration. —Grig C. Montegrande

MANILA, Philippines — The dismissal of all illegal drug trading charges against former Sen. Leila de Lima drew praise from rights watchdogs, European diplomats and opposition leaders, who expressed hope that the decision could be a springboard for holding accountable public officials responsible for human rights abuses in the country.

They also demanded that all those who “wronged” De Lima be made to answer for allegedly perpetuating the unfounded allegations against her.

In a message to the Inquirer, Carlos Conde, senior researcher of Human Rights Watch, said the dismissal of the case against De Lima was “sweet vindication for the former senator that lifts the spirit of the thousands of victims of abuse and injustice in the Philippines.”

READ: Incomplete vindication

He urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take the opportunity to demonstrate his resolve to uphold human rights “in the wake of the catastrophic abuses under his predecessor and the continuing absence of accountability.”

‘Cooperate with ICC’

That includes cooperating with the investigation by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) into the drug war killings under the administration of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, Conde said.

The rights group Karapatan vowed to support De Lima’s efforts to “pursue justice against those who perpetrated these acts of reprisal and judicial harassment against her because of her vocal opposition to the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in Duterte’s drug war.”

“After so many years, this is a victory for justice! The EU (European Union) applauds and stands alongside this verdict for justice and human rights,” EU Ambassador Luc Véron said.

German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke said De Lima’s acquittal should give impetus to the resolution of all EJK cases, which De Lima had investigated. On Monday, a Muntinlupa City court granted her demurrer to evidence, a motion seeking to dismiss the case by assailing the prosecution’s evidence.

The former senator, justice secretary and Commission on Human Rights chair was essentially cleared of the third drug charge after she was acquitted in two other cases by two different branches of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court.

The decision came seven months after De Lima was allowed to post bail in November 2023. She had spent over six years detained at the national police headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Pfaffernoschke described the decision as a “significant victory for justice and the rule of law.” The envoy also hoped that de Lima could continue her vital work of advocating for truth and justice.

I urge the government to quickly resolve all cases of EJK and bring perpetrators to justice!” he said of De Lima. United Kingdom Ambassador Laure Beaufils said the dropping of all charges against De Lima was a “significant step for the rule of law.”

“We are heartened that [Attorney] De Lima will now be able to enjoy her unmitigated freedom,” Beaufils said.

Dutch Ambassador Marielle Geraedts recalled that she visited De Lima in jail in June last year.

“Today, one year after, justice is served. We celebrate with her and find inspiration in her quest for human rights and justice,” the Netherlands envoy said.

Inordinately delayed

At the Senate, Sen. Risa Hontiveros called on authorities to pursue and hold accountable those responsible for De Lima’s political persecution.

“Justice must be served, and those who have wronged her and our legal system must face the consequences of their actions,” the senator said in a statement.

“False charges compromise not only the accused’s reputation but also the integrity of our legal system, Hontiveros added.

Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives made a similar call.

In separate statements, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman sought a thorough review of all cases related to the previous administration’s drug war and demanded accountability from those who put De Lima behind bars.

“Her innocence has been upheld. Her indomitable spirit has conquered the vileness of malicious prosecution,” Lagman said. “But justice inordinately delayed brutalizes the rule of law.”

Castro said: “We must not forget that Senator De Lima lost almost seven years of her life to these baseless accusations. The officials who orchestrated this injustice must be held accountable.” —with reports from Tina G. Santos and Krixia Subingsubing