Foreign diplomats in Manila have met former senator Leila de Lima, who was recently acquitted from the drug-related charges she had faced for six years under the Duterte administration.
The ambassadors of the European Union, Denmark, Czech Republic, Sweden, Germany, Canada, France and the United States were among those who met de Lima.
“Thank you, Hon. Senator Leila de Lima, for sharing your heartbreaking story with us tonight!” German Ambassador to Manila Andreas Pfaffernoschke said in a post on X.
Pfaffernoschke said de Lima’s fight for justice and human rights “is a beacon of hope, your acquittal a huge victory.”
“The world must not forget!” he added.
Meanwhile, Danish Ambassador to Manila Franz-Michael Mellbin “had the honor of hosting a luncheon” for de Lima, according to his embassy.
The Danish embassy described de Lima as “a champion for human rights in the Philippines.”
Czech Ambassador Raduta Matache, meanwhile, described her as “renowned human rights defender, and to marvel at her resilience, grace, courage and trust in justice.”
During their meeting, de Lima shared her experiences in prison and her perspectives of the Philippine justice system.
“We welcome Atty. de Lima’s recent acquittal from all criminal charges, underscoring the role of truth in upholding justice & truth of law,” the Danish embassy said.
“Denmark and the European Union remain committed to support the protection of human rights in the Philippines,” it added.