AFTER getting acquitted in two of her three cases, the advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday called on the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 256 to hasten the resolution of the final drug charge filed against former senator Leila de Lima.
In a statement, Caritas Philippines said it is imperative for the Muntinlupa court to already rule on the case of De Lima.
“The decision by the Muntinlupa City RTC Branch 204 brings us closer to the realization of justice and emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law,” said Caritas Philippines President Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo.
“We call on the Muntinlupa City RTC Branch 256 to expedite its decision and grant Senator de Lima the opportunity to regain her freedom,” he added.
The prelate said her acquittal in the first two drug cases proves that the charges filed against her are not valid.
“Her acquittal, in this case, reaffirms our belief in the merits of her defense, and serves as a testament to the flaws and inconsistencies in the charges fabricated against her,” said Bagaforo.
In giving back De Lima her freedom, the bishop said it will show that justice remains alive in the country’s legal system.
“The immediate release of Senator de Lima is not only a significant step towards justice, but also a symbol of our collective commitment to safeguarding human rights and ensuring the rule of law,” said Bagaforo.
Earlier, the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 acquitted the former senator in the alleged conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) while she was the secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The decision marks the second acquittal out of the three cases filed against De Lima, who has been detained since February 2017.
