In a decisive legal victory for former Philippine Senator Leila de Lima, a Muntinlupa court has granted her demurrer to evidence, effectively clearing her of all charges in her third and final drug case.
Attorney Boni Tacardon, representing De Lima, confirmed the court’s decision on Monday, marking the culmination of a lengthy legal battle.
The demurrer to evidence, a motion arguing insufficient proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, led to the dismissal of the case.
Presiding Judge Gener Gito of Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 cited the prosecution’s failure to meet the burden of proof, stating, “the prosecution was not able to prove the guilt of all accused beyond reasonable doubt.”
Alongside De Lima, the court acquitted co-accused Franklin Jesus Bucayu, Ronnie Palisoc Dayan, Joenel Tan Sanchez, and Jose Adrian Tiamson Dera, all of whom were implicated in the case, GMA News reported.
Speaking to reporters after the verdict, De Lima expressed profound relief and joy at her acquittal, remarking, “Mas mapapanatag at makakatulog na ako nang mas maluwag (I am more confident and will be able to sleep more soundly).”
She emphasized the personal toll of the legal ordeal, stating, “I respected the rule of law despite the pain and the injustice of it all. I confronted the charges head on and I went through and endured the whole process.”
De Lima’s legal team highlighted the significance of the court’s decision, noting that it clears her of all criminal cases filed against her during the Duterte administration, which she has consistently maintained were politically motivated.
Looking ahead, De Lima affirmed her commitment to international justice efforts, particularly assisting the International Criminal Court in investigating alleged human rights abuses linked to the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Tumutulong ako diyan, tutulong ako (I am helping there, I will help there),” she asserted.
In response to the court’s ruling, Prosecutors Romancito Ocampo and Darwin Cañete expressed consideration of filing a motion for reconsideration.
Ocampo remarked, “We have not yet read the decision itself, so we are not discounting the possibility of exhausting all proper legal remedies.”
The Daily Netizen 