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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR lauds release of De Lima; urges swift review of cases of other PDLs

CHR lauds release of De Lima; urges swift review of cases of other PDLs

Published Nov 14, 2023 10:19 am

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomed the release of former senator Leila de Lima on bail last Monday, Nov. 13 as it lauded the release as a "notable development" in the pursuit of justice.

De Lima, who was former chairperson of the CHR, has been detained for over six years in police custodial center in Quezon City on three drug charges filed against her in 2017.

Two of the three cases had been dismissed in 2021 and in early 2023.

In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 14, the CHR said it "recognizes the just and timely decision of Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 in this regard."

The CHR cited the United Nations' Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners as a human rights standard, which emphasized, among others, that "[t]here shall be no discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status" and "[e]xcept for those limitations that are demonstrably necessitated by the fact of incarceration, all prisoners shall retain the human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights' and other human rights covenants."

"These rights include being entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, as well as the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty," it said.

"CHR, as the country’s independent national human rights institution, underscores the crucial role of due process and the rule of law in protecting human rights, as well as in providing appropriate remedies and reparation in instances of human rights abuses and violations," it also said.

It pointed out that every Filipino deserves a fair trial and speedy disposition of cases as it urged the government to conduct a timely review of cases of other persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who have been awaiting resolution of their cases, regardless of their status, gender, and political affiliation.

"Through such effort, not only does the government upholds the human rights guarantees of the Constitution, it also contributes to the decongestion of jails and other detention facilities in the country," it said.

It assured that it will continue to monitor the case of De Lima.

Related Tags

Leila de Lima Commission on Human Rights Leila de Lima detention Bail
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