Prosecutors withdraw motion for reconsideration in De Lima case in Muntinlupa
Government prosecutors withdrew the motion for reconsideration they had filed to overturn the dismissal of a drug case of Rep. Leila de Lima, which was initiated during the Duterte administration in 2017.
The panel of prosecutors filed on July 23 the motion to withdraw the July 14 motion for reconsideration with the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204, which acquitted De Lima and Ronnie Dayan in case No. 17-165 for conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading.
Rep. Leila de Lima (Photo from Rep. Leila de Lima's Facebook account)
“Comes now, the Prosecution, through the undersigned panel 'of Public Prosecutors and unto the Honorable Court, after consultation and upon the instructions of the Honorable Prosecutor General, most respectfully moves for the withdrawal of the Motion for Reconsideration dated 14 July 2025 that wạs filed on even date. Other relief, as may be just and equitable under the premises, is likewise prayed for,” the motion read, which was signed by nine prosecutors.
Earlier, Justice Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla ordered the withdrawal of the motion for reconsideration.
The motion for reconsideration challenged a new decision of the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 dated June 27, which affirmed its earlier decision acquitting De Lima and Dayan of the charges.
During the Duterte administration, the Department of Justice filed three drug cases against De Lima, which were all dismissed. De Lima was in detention for nearly seven years because of the cases.