Former Senate President Franklin Drilon clarified that the recent decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) concerning former Senator Leila de Lima’s case does not mean she will face a retrial. The appellate court’s move to send the case back to the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) was meant to ensure clarity in the judge’s decision, not to reverse the acquittal.
Drilon explained that the CA’s order was a response to the lack of detailed explanation in the RTC’s May 2023 decision, which acquitted De Lima of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading. “Hindi nag-order ang Court of Appeals na magkakaroon ng bagong paglilitis. Walang order na magkaroon ng bagong paglilitis,” Drilon emphasized during an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo.
The case was initially dismissed due to “reasonable doubt” after former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos retracted his claim that he delivered drug money to De Lima in 2012. However, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) questioned the RTC’s decision, leading to the CA’s involvement.
The appellate court granted the OSG’s petition for certiorari, requesting the lower court to provide a clear explanation on which pieces of evidence were considered in favor of De Lima’s acquittal. Drilon pointed out that this did not equate to an order for a retrial but rather a call for better clarity.
“Siguro writing skill, medyo baka nagkulang sa tingin ng CA. Mahina siguro gumawa ng desisyon pero hindi ibig sabihin na mali ang desisyon,” he added, noting that the CA merely questioned the quality of the written decision.
In response, De Lima’s legal team announced plans to file a motion for reconsideration, describing the CA’s decision as “puzzling.” She further stated that they might elevate the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary. Despite the development, De Lima maintained that her acquittal remains valid.
“This does not mean that my acquittal has lost its legal effect,” she assured, emphasizing that the ruling would not hinder her plans to return to public service.
De Lima, who was detained for seven years on drug-related charges she insists were politically motivated, regained her freedom in 2023.
