The Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 206 affirmed its decision to acquit former senator Leila de Lima in her last drug case filed during the Duterte administration, ABS-CBN News reported.
In a decision promulgated on August 7, the court denied the motion for reconsideration filed by government prosecutors who sought the reversal of the verdict.
The trial court invoked the principle of double jeopardy in denying the motion of the prosecution, stressing that the dismissal of De Lima’s case through demurrer to evidence was tantamount to an acquittal.
“Thus, such order of the court cannot be appealed as it will place the accused to double jeopardy,” Presiding Judge Gener Gito, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said.
The court noted that the only way it will reverse its judgment is if it committed grave abuse of discretion but the prosecution was silent on the matter.
Senators earlier welcomed the dismissal of the final drug case against the former senator and raised the possibility of her returning to the Upper Chamber.
Senate President Francis Escudero said in a statement voiced strong support for De Lima and hoped the former Justice Secretary would consider running for the Senate in the 2025 midterm elections.
Meanwhile, the US State Department and foreign envoys hailed the acquittal of De Lima from drug charges filed during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The United States welcomes the acquittal of former Philippine Senator Leila de Lima on the final criminal charge against her. This decision follows her release on bail in November 2023 after nearly seven years of detention and her acquittal on two separate politically motivated criminal charges,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to working with the Philippines in strengthening “democracy and human rights” around the world.
“We continue to urge the Philippines to resolve politically motivated cases, including those against journalists and civil society, in a manner consistent with its international human rights obligations and commitments,” Miller added.
