The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said the acquittal of former senator Leila M. de Lima on her second illegal drugs case “demonstrates the commitment of the judiciary to the rule of law and justice."
In a statement, the CHR expressed hopes for the swift decision by the Muntinlupa City regional trial court (RTC) on De Lima’s third case, particularly on her plea to post bail.
De Lima has been detained since 2017 on three illegal drugs cases. She was indicted for the alleged proliferation of illegal drugs trading at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City when she was the secretary of justice.
She was acquitted on the first case in 2021 through a demurrer when she challenged that the prosecution’s evidence could not sustain her conviction. The RTC agreed and granted her demurrer. The grant was tantamount to acquittal.
The pendency of her third drugs case keeps De Lima in detention at the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police in Quezon City.
The CHR said De Lima’s pre-trial detention has been beset with considerable delay which is tantamount to the deprivation of guaranteed human right as indicated in the United Nations Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners.
It said the principle states: "Except 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."
It expressed hopes that the justice system will again tilt the balance in favor of what is just, right, and humane. “It is only then that the country can counter impunity and injustices to human rights,” it said.
At the same time, the CHR urged the “swift resolution of the remaining charge against the former senator” as it pointed out that “it is crucial to consistently uphold the right to a speedy and fair trial for all accused.”
"Further, we urge that the right to be presumed innocent is applied extensively and consistently to all persons awaiting resolution of their cases, regardless of their socio-economic background, political affiliation, or status," it stressed.