Court wraps up De Lima drug case

MANILA, Philippines — A Muntinlupa City court yesterday wrapped up its trial of one of three drug cases against detained former senator Leila de Lima.

Regional Trial Court Branch 204 Judge Joseph Alcantara set the promulgation of De Lima’s case, which involves an allegation of conspiracy to commit drug trading, on May 12 at around 8:30 a.m. as earlier scheduled.

The court yesterday heard the testimony of lawyer Demiteer Huerta of the Public Attorney’s Office, the rebuttal witness of a panel of prosecutors from the Department of Justice.

De Lima appealed for prayers from her supporters as she was escorted out of the court building after the hearing.

“More prayers please, prayers,” De Lima said as she was escorted to a police vehicle that brought her back to her detention cell at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

De Lima’s lawyer, Filibon Tacardon, said they are hopeful the court would rule in their favor. One case has been dismissed.

Tacardon declined to give details about Huerta’s testimony yesterday after the court approved the petition of government prosecutors to reopen the drug case against De Lima.

In a text message, Tacardon said they cross-examined Huerta.

Tacardon reiterated that their client is innocent of all the charges that were filed against her during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.