“It is crucial to note that Senator De Lima has endured seven years of detention”
The long-suffering former Senator Leila de Lima ordeal all started when authorities allegedly discovered “VIP treatment” for some high-profile inmates and drug lords.
Police also found shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride), other illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the inmates’ jail cells. De Lima, then justice secretary, ordered the inspection.
On July 21, 2016, Congressmen, led by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, filed House Resolution 105 seeking a probe into the proliferation of drug syndicates at the NBP when De Lima was justice chief.
Then president Duterte revealed a “drug matrix” linking De Lima to the drug trade.
“She facilitated everything for money, she was not into [buying drugs],” said Duterte the day before, showing the matrix to the public.
He alleged she facilitated illegal activities for financial gain, not through direct involvement in drug purchases.
De Lima denied the accusation, calling the President’s drug matrix “scrap paper” that should be thrown away.
De Lima denounced the cases as “political persecution” on Feb. 17, 2017, preparing herself to be the “first political prisoner under this regime.”
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II refuted the claims, stating the cases were not politically motivated.
On Feb. 23, 2017, Judge Juanita Guerrero of Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 issued a warrant of arrest against De Lima, Dayan, and Ragos.
De Lima surrendered on Feb 24, 2017, and was detained at Camp Crame.
(Editor’s note: Ronnie Dayan is the latest to recant in the two counts of drug charges against De Lima. Rafael Ragos is the former corrections bureau chief who told a Muntinlupa court he was coerced into signing prepared affidavits on three occasions in 2016 and 2017 falsely accusing De Lima of receiving bribes from drug lords at the national penitentiary).
Since then, two of three drug related cases filed against her in 2017 have been dismissed.
The Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 256 on June 7 denied De Lima’s petition for bail, pointing out the grounds she cited are “not compelling” which means De Lima will stay in detention while her remaining drug case goes through trial.
Subsequently Judge Buenaventura inhibited from the case.
Today, Judge Gener Gito reversed that decision and ordered Senator De Lima released on bail as there is no strong evidence against her.
In a statement, The Movement Against Disinformation (MAD) expresses sincere gratitude and relief for the recent granting of bail to De Lima, a decision reached after the Judge determined the evidence against her is not strong.
This long-awaited decision not only reaffirms our confidence in the legal system but also underscores the fundamental principles of fairness, equity, and the Rule of Law.
It is crucial to note that Senator De Lima has endured seven years of detention, and those responsible for this injustice must be held accountable.
This significant moment serves as a powerful reminder of our unwavering commitment to combating disinformation and upholding the democratic values that define our society.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the complete resolution of all remaining cases against Senator De Lima, fervently hoping for her full exoneration.
We remain steadfast in our call for the release of Senator Leila De Lima and all political prisoners.