MANILA – The Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines (EU) expressed its “joy” after a Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court acquitted former Senator Leila de Lima in the last drug-related case filed against her by the Duterte Administration.
According to her legal counsel Boni Tacardon, Muntinlupa RTC branch 206 granted de Lima’s motion for demurrer to evidence, which was filed last March, where she asked the court to dismiss the case for lack of evidence.
In its decision, the court said that “the evidence presented by the prosecution was not enough to prove de Lima’s guilt.”
Earlier, the Muntinlupa City RTC Branch 205 dismissed one of her three cases last February 2021. De Lima was later acquitted last May 2023 by the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 along with her co-accused and former bodyguard, Ronnie Dayan.
In his post on X, EU Ambassador Luc Veron said that the exoneration of de Lima today is a “victory for justice”.
Veron also posted a photo of himself with the former senator, and a photo of de Lima inside the Muntinlupa RTC after the announcement of the Court’s decision.
“The EU applauds and stands alongside this verdict for justice and human rights,” Amb. Veron added.
I share the joy of @AttyLeiladeLima and her co-defendants who were cleared of all charges today by the Muntinlupa City Court. After so many years, this is a victory for justice! The EU applauds and stands alongside this verdict for justice and human rights. #EUStandsForJustice pic.twitter.com/c4RzkTE7Xm
— Ambassador Luc Véron 🇪🇺 (@EUAmbPH) June 24, 2024
Germany also called the acquittal “a significant victory for justice and rule of law.”
“Heartened by the acquittal of Leila de Lima today. A significant victory for justice and rule of law. Grateful that she can continue her vital work in advocating for truth and justice,” German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Pfaffernoschke posted on X.
“I urge the government to quickly resolve all cases of EJK (extrajudicial killings) and bring perpetrators to justice,” Pfaffernoschke continues.
Heartened by the acquittal of Leila de Lima today. A significant victory for justice and rule of law. Grateful that she can continue her vital work in advocating for truth and justice.
— Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke (@germanyinphl) June 24, 2024
I urge the government to quickly resolve all cases of EJK and bring perpetrators to justice!
Dutch Ambassador Marielle Geraedts mentioned that one year ago, she visited de Lima in prison saying she “remains a strong and resilient human rights champion throughout her six years of incarceration”.
“Today, one year after, justice is served. We celebrate with her and find inspiration in her quest for human rights and justice,” Geraedts posted on X.
In June 2023, I visited her in jail with the Dutch HR Ambassador. Today, one year after, justice is served. We celebrate with her and find inspiration in her quest for human rights and justice. 2/2 https://t.co/bxADHlTs5q
— Marielle Geraedts (@geraedtsmariel) June 24, 2024
UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils also welcomed the news that all charges against de Lima and her co-defendants have been dropped.
“This is a significant step for the rule of law. We are heartened that Atty de Lima will now be able to enjoy her unmitigated freedom,” Beaufils posted on X.
🇬🇧 welcomes the news that all charges against @AttyLeiladeLima & her co-defendants have been dropped.
— Ambassador Laure Beaufils 🇬🇧 (@LaureBeaufils) June 24, 2024
This is a significant step for the rule of law.
We are heartened that Atty de Lima will now be able to enjoy her unmitigated freedom.
🇬🇧🤝🇵🇭 https://t.co/u0CNQQOf0o
Canadian Ambassador David Hartman also welcomed the news that the remaining charges against the former lawmaker have been drooped.
Hartman posted on social media that “transparency, evidence, and independence of the judiciary are essential to our democratic systems of justice.”
Canada welcomes the news that the remaining charges against former Senator De Lima @AttyLeiladeLima have been dropped. Transparency, evidence, and independence of the judiciary are essential to our democratic systems of justice. 🇨🇦🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/5IJStOFCJW
— David Hartman (@AmbDBHartman) June 24, 2024
U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson also posted on X a photo with de Lima, saying “We welcome the news that all cases against Atty. de Lima have been dismissed. The United States supports rule of law and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms around the world.”
We welcome the news that all cases against @AttyLeilaDeLima have been dismissed. The United States supports rule of law and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms around the world. 🇺🇸🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/SeoqW5nKQK
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) June 24, 2024
