^

Headlines

On 2,000th day of detention, De Lima laments ‘broken’ justice system

Philstar.com
On 2,000th day of detention, De Lima laments âbrokenâ justice system
Sen Leila M. de Lima attends resumption of hearing at the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256, June 13, 2022, 2:00 p.m.
Office of Sen. Leila De Lima / release

MANILA, Philippines — Former Sen. Leila de Lima said Tuesday that her continued detention on illegal drugs charges she claims are trumped up is proof that the Philippines has a “broken” justice system.

“My continued detention on the basis of evidently and utterly false cases is yet another reminder to the world that the justice system in our country is broken,” De Lima said on the 2,000th day of her detention in a written dispatch from her cell in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

She vowed to continue fighting for her “own deliverance from injustice and vindication … in spite of futile attempts to break [her.]”

At least three personalities, including a government star witness, have retracted their allegations linking De Lima to illegal drugs and have since admitted that their testimonies were false and were made due to threats.

Despite this, government lawyers said they are not dropping charges against De Lima, who has been acquitted in one of three drug cases. The Office of the Ombudsman also recently cleared her in a bribery complaint.

READ: Ombudsman: No probable cause to indict De Lima for bribery

“By fabricating spurious charges against me to deplatform and silence me, the former wannabe dictator only proved my point and solidified his status as an oppressor, demonstrating his vindictiveness,” De Lima said, referring to former President Rodrigo Duterte whom she tried investigating in the Senate over his brutal “war on drugs.”

“I wait for the day when justice returns in our country,” De Lima said. “In the meantime, #LabanLang (we fight.)” — Xave Gregorio

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

LEILA DE LIMA

Philstar
  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Recommended
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with