The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court has granted bail to former Senator Leila de Lima, a decision welcomed by various international embassies. The Embassies of Canada, the European Union (EU), the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK) have all expressed their satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rule of law and human rights obligations.
Canada, through its embassy in the Philippines, acknowledged the end of de Lima’s prolonged pre-trial incarceration, stressing the need for a rapid resolution to her case in accordance with Philippine laws and international human rights standards. Similarly, EU Ambassador Luc Veron lauded the release as a significant step towards the rule of law in the Philippines and expressed hope for an expedited resolution of the remaining charges against de Lima.
Canada welcomes the decision to grant bail for former Senator Leila de Lima, ending six years of pre-trial incarceration.
— Canada in the Philippines (@CanEmbPH) November 13, 2023
We will continue to follow her situation closely, with the expectation of rapid resolution of proceedings in the case against her. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/9JPOsBn55P
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson echoed these sentiments, noting the long-awaited approval for de Lima’s release and the expectation of a fair conclusion to her case. British Ambassador Laure Beaufils also recognized the development as a crucial step for the rule of law in the Philippines and looked forward to a swift resolution of the remaining charges in line with Philippine law.
Welcome news to see @AttyLeiladeLima approved for release at long last. We continue to follow her case closely and look forward to seeing the remaining charges against her resolved in accordance with Philippine law.
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) November 13, 2023
🇬🇧 welcomes that @AttyLeiladeLima has been released on bail after six years.
— Laure Beaufils 🇬🇧 (@LaureBeaufils) November 13, 2023
A significant step for #RuleOfLaw in the 🇵🇭.
We will continue to follow her case closely and look forward to seeing the remaining charges against her resolved quickly in accordance with 🇵🇭 law.
Very pleased by the news of @AttyLeiladeLima’s release –
— Ambassador Luc Véron 🇪🇺 (@EUAmbPH) November 13, 2023
A significant step for #RuleOfLaw in the 🇵🇭. A positive turn in the pursuit of justice! I hope that resolution of the remaining charges will be accelerated . pic.twitter.com/E36K9SccCG
This bail grant marks a pivotal turn in de Lima’s nearly seven-year detention. Alongside her co-accused, she was granted bail at P300,000 in Criminal Case No. 17-167, following the court’s assessment that the prosecution’s evidence did not sufficiently establish guilt. This decision comes after De Lima’s acquittals in two previous charges in 2021 and 2022.
De Lima, a vocal critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, has faced allegations of involvement in the drug trade to fund her 2016 senatorial campaign. However, several key witnesses have recanted their testimonies against her, contributing to the shifting dynamics of her legal battle.
The former senator’s case has been fraught with controversy, including a highly publicized inquiry into her personal life and a hostage situation in 2022.
