Former Senator Leila de Lima is exploring legal avenues to hold former President Rodrigo Duterte and others accountable for her prolonged detention on drug-related charges. This decision comes after her recent acquittal from her third and final pending drug case.
Legal Accountability
In an interview with Sandra Aguinaldo on “24 Oras,” De Lima expressed relief following her acquittal, stating, “Napakaginhawa ng pakiramdam ko. I feel so at peace, nakakahinga na ako nang maluwag ngayon.” She noted that her lawyer is investigating ways to hold Duterte, former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, and others responsible for her seven-year detention.
Fabricated Allegations
De Lima accused her detractors of using false testimonies from Bilibid witnesses to implicate her in the illegal drug trade. “’Yung mga nag-operate sa akin kasi in-operate nila ako. Pinilit nila ‘yung mga Bilibid witnesses na imbento lang ang mga kuwento tungkol sa pagkakasangkot ko umano sa illegal drug trading inside Bilibid,” she said.
Release and Acquittal
De Lima was released on bail in November 2023 after being detained since February 2017. Her first acquittal occurred in February 2021, and she was fully acquitted in May 2023. She has also seen her disobedience cases dismissed by a Quezon City court.
Cooperation with ICC
De Lima reiterated her willingness to assist the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation into Duterte’s controversial drug war. She criticized the summary killings and stressed that the justice system’s shortcomings prevent high-level perpetrators from being held accountable.
Political Future
Despite her vindication, De Lima has no plans to run in the 2025 elections. She is currently the spokesperson for the Liberal Party and remains critical of the political culture in the Philippines, which she described as lacking loyalty and being dominated by the ruling elite.
Ronnie Dayan’s Involvement
Addressing public perception, De Lima clarified that neither she nor her co-accused Ronnie Dayan had any involvement in the illegal drug trade. She dismissed allegations that Dayan acted as her bag man, stating, “Walang-wala po yan. Pero ang findings ng court parang di nila napatunayan ‘yung conspiracy.”