Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla welcomed detained former senator Leila M. de Lima’s acquittal of an illegal drugs charge in a decision handed down on Friday, May 12, by the Muntinlupa City regional trial court (RTC).
“The rule of law has prevailed and it just points out to us that the independence of the judiciary is a basic foundation of our democratic system,” Remulla said.
“So, it’s good, it’s good for us,” he said.
Aside from de Lima, also acquitted in a decision issued by RTC Judge Abraham Joseph B. Alcantara was the former senator’s driver and bodyguard Ronnie P. Dayan.
Both de Lima, as then justice secretary, and Dayan were charged with illegal drugs trading, a violation of Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
There were three criminal cases filed against de Lima. In 2021, a criminal charge was dismissed on De Lima’s motion to junk the case through a demurrer to evidence – a challenge on the alleged weakness of the prosecution’s evidence to sustain a conviction.
Only one case is still pending against de Lima. She had filed a motion to post bail in the case. Her motion is pending resolution by the trial court.
When asked if the court should grant her bail, Remulla said: “It’s up to the court.”
“We respect the independence of the judiciary and it’s up to the court,” he added.
Earlier, Remulla said the Department of Justice (DOJ) will not opposed De Lima’s plea for bail based on humanitarian grounds.
De Lima has been detained since Feb. 17, 2017 at the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon CIty.