Canada and the European Union (EU) on Monday, Nov. 13, welcomed the granting of bail to detained former senator Leila de Lima and expressed hopes for a rapid resolution of her case.
The Canadian Embassy in Manila was the first diplomatic mission in the Philippines to welcome the decision of a Muntinlupa court to grant bail to de Lima, who has been in jail after more than six years on drug-related charges.
"We will continue to follow her situation closely, with the expectation of (a) rapid resolution of proceedings in the case against her," the embassy said.
The embassy said Canada is also expecting that "her case will be concluded in full conformity with the laws of the Philippines, and in line with the Philippines’ international human rights obligations."
Meanwhile, EU Ambassador Luc Veron also commended de Lima's granting of bail.
"Very pleased by the news of @AttyLeiladeLima’s release," Veron said in a post on X.
He said the court's decision was a "significant step for rule of law" in the Philippines and it was "a positive turn in the pursuit of justice!"
"I hope that resolution of the remaining charges will be accelerated," Veron added.
The United States and the United Kingdom also immediately joined Canada and EU in welcoming the court's decision.
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said it was a "welcome news to see" that de Lima was 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," Carlson added.
UK envoy Laure Beaufils also said the British government "welcomes that
Atty. Leila de Lima has been released on bail after six years," and such is a "significant step" for the country's rule of law.