Basilan lone district Rep. Mujiv Hataman

House Deputy Minority Leader Mujiv Hataman says the decision to grant temporary freedom to former Senator Leila De Lima via bail is “seven years too late”. 

“This decision is seven years too late. But I am still very happy that finally, former Senator De Lima can now enjoy the freedom she has been deprived of for a very long time,” Hataman said in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 14. 

“The past seven years have been a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to the truth and her innocence. Imagine the weight of that time on a person, on her family, on her friends,” the solon noted. 

On Monday, a Muntinlupa judge granted De Lima’s bail for her remaining drug charges. She was in detention for almost seven years at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Quezon City. 

Throughout the proceedings for her criminal cases, De Lima insisted that the charges were fabricated and that they were a retaliation for her vocal criticism against ex-president Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs”. 

“Sa mata ng karamihan, lalo na doon sa sinusundan ang kanyang kaso, si Senator Leila ay biktima ng political persecution. Huli man ang pagdating ng hustisya para sa kanya, nais nating magpasalamat sa kanyang pansamantalang kalayaan,” Hataman said. 

(In the eyes of many, especially those following her case, Senator Leila is a victim of political persecution. Although justice came late for her, we want to thank her temporary freedom.) 

The Basilan lone district lawmaker commended the former senator for “remaining steadfast and standing strong”. 

Hataman said the court decision was not just about her freedom, but also for rectifying an unfair treatment in the eyes of the law. 

“Sa pansamantalang paglaya ni Sen. Leila mula sa pagkakapiit, sana ay magkaroon na ng liwanag ang katotohanan sa likod ng nangyari sa kanya para hindi na ito maulit sa iba. Kung nangyari ito sa tulad niyang senador, paano pa kaya sa karaniwang tao?” the solon posited. 

(On the temporary release of Sen. Leila from detention, I hope that the truth behind what happened to her will come to light so that it does not happen again to others. If this happened to a senator like her, what about the common man?) 

Hataman, a Liberal Party (LP) stalwart like De Lima. stressed that upholding justice and human rights is a fundamental duty. 

“Senator Leila's fight is not just hers; it is a fight for justice and a reminder that, in the end, truth and righteousness should prevail,” he added. --Dexter Barro II