Former Senator Leila de Lima (left) and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (De Lima's Facebook and Rep. Castro's Facebook)

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro says the acquittal of former senator Leila de Lima from her remaining drug-related charges highlights a “broader implication” on similar cases filed in relation to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs.

“This development should prompt a thorough review of all cases related to the previous administration's drug war,” Castro said in a statement.

“How many more innocent individuals are still detained based on manufactured evidence and coerced testimonies?" she questioned.

On Monday, June 24, the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 206 dismissed De Lima’s third and final charge linked to conspiracy to commit drug trading after the prosecution failed to prove her guilt.

For Castro, this decision exposes that the nature of De Lima’s charges is strictly fabricated. She stressed that the former senator was abused through the justice system for political ends.

"The junking of all drug charges against former Senator Leila de Lima is a significant victory not just for her, but for all those who have been unjustly accused and detained under the previous administration's war on drugs," the lady lawmaker said.

Castro, a House deputy minority leader, noted that this acquittal is a “long-overdue vindication” and “a triumph of justice over political persecution”.

"This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding due process, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. We must remain vigilant against any attempts to weaponize the justice system for political purposes," she stressed.

She further emphasized that those responsible for De Lima’s nearly seven-year detention must be held accountable.

"We must not forget that Senator De Lima lost almost seven years of her life to these baseless accusations,” said Castro.

“Justice for the other victims of the Duterte drug war should also be fast tracked considering that they have also been waiting for years especially to those who were extrajudicially killed by the police," the Makabayan bloc member added.