Senator Leila de Lima is now facing criminal charges in court.
On Friday afternoon, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed three separate cases against De Lima at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC).
The cases stem from her alleged involvement in illegal drug trade in New Bilibid Prison (NBP).
The complaints alleged that De Lima had violated three sections in the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
These sections relate to violations that involve the sale and trading of illegal drugs and the criminal liability of government officials and employees.
Former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Franklin Bucayu is also a respondent in the cases.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre says, the charges will be raffled off to a judge on Monday.
In a statement, De Lima said, she is now ready to become the first political prisoner of the Duterte administration.
“Plain and simple political persecution. I will fight this out for as long as I can. They can never break my spirit,” De Lima said.
