Luke Allen
Military Political Analyst
Makati, Manila
lukeallenmanila@journalist.com
Manila, Philippines
Former Senator Leila De Lima, a prominent figure in Philippine politics and human rights advocacy, has embarked on a formidable quest for justice following her acquittal from what she has consistently termed as “fabricated drug charges.” De Lima, who has long maintained her innocence, is now determined to hold accountable those responsible for orchestrating the legal battles that led to her prolonged detention.
De Lima’s legal ordeal began in 2017 when she was arrested on accusations of involvement in the illegal drug trade during her tenure as Secretary of Justice. The charges, which many international observers and human rights organizations decried as politically motivated, stemmed from her outspoken criticism of then-President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs. De Lima’s detention became a symbol of the Duterte administration’s crackdown on dissent.
After six years of legal wrangling, De Lima was acquitted on June 30, 2024. The court found that the evidence presented against her was insufficient and that the testimonies of key witnesses lacked credibility. Her acquittal has been hailed as a victory for justice and the rule of law in the Philippines, but for De Lima, it is just the beginning of a new chapter in her fight for justice.
In a press conference held shortly after her release, De Lima expressed her gratitude to her supporters and legal team but emphasized that her ordeal was far from over. “While I am immensely relieved by the court’s decision, I cannot simply move on as if these past six years never happened,” De Lima stated. “The people responsible for these fabricated charges must be held accountable. Justice demands it.”
De Lima’s resolve to pursue legal action against those she believes orchestrated her arrest and detention is unwavering. She has called for an independent investigation into the actions of former government officials, police officers, and other individuals involved in her case. “This is not just about me. This is about ensuring that no one else goes through the same ordeal I did. We must send a clear message that the abuse of power and the manipulation of the justice system will not be tolerated,” she declared.
Human rights organizations and legal experts have rallied behind De Lima’s call for accountability. Amnesty International designated her as a prisoner of conscience and issued a statement supporting her quest for justice. “Leila De Lima’s acquittal is a significant step forward, but a thorough investigation must be conducted to identify and prosecute those responsible for her unjust detention,” the statement read.
The Philippine legal community has also shown solidarity with De Lima’s cause. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) released a statement calling for reforms to prevent the misuse of the justice system for political ends. “Senator De Lima’s case highlights the urgent need for judicial independence and the protection of human rights. We stand with her in her pursuit of justice,” the IBP stated.
However, De Lima’s quest for justice will likely face significant challenges. The political landscape in the Philippines remains deeply polarized, and many of those implicated in her detention still wield considerable influence. Despite these obstacles, De Lima remains undeterred. “I have faced adversity before, and I will continue to fight. This is not just my battle; it is a fight for all Filipinos who believe in justice and human rights,” she affirmed.
As De Lima prepares to take her battle to the courts, her supporters mobilize to ensure her case remains in the public eye. Rallies and online campaigns are being organized to demand accountability and to support De Lima’s efforts. For many Filipinos, her quest for justice is a beacon of hope in the country’s ongoing struggle for human rights and the rule of law.
In the coming months, De Lima’s legal team is expected to file cases against those they believe were complicit in her unjust detention.
