DEPUTY Minority Leader and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman on Tuesday said the court ruling granting the bail petition of former Sen. Leila de Lima came belatedly by seven years.

Hataman welcomed the decision of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 for de Lima and her co-accused to post bail after over six years of detention for alleged involvement in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) illegal drug trade.

“This decision is seven years too late. But I am still very happy that finally former Sen. De Lima can now enjoy the freedom she has been deprived of for a very long time,” Hataman said.

“Sa mata ng karamihan, lalo na doon sa sinusundan ang kanyang kaso, si Sen. Leila ay biktima ng political persecution.

Huli man ang pagdating ng hustisya para sa kanya, nais nating magpasalamat sa kanyang pansamantalang kalayaan. The past seven years have been a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to the truth and her innocence.

Imagine the weight of that time on a person, on her family, on her friends. The struggles, the missed moments, the battles fought behind bars.

Yet, through it all, Senator de Lima has remained steadfast, she stood strong. This court decision is not just about her freedom; it’s about rectifying what many believe was an unfair treatment in the eyes of the law,” Hataman stressed.

In related development, several civil society organizations composed of SOLIDAR, Talesayen, Truth, Heritage, Association, Social Democratic Caucus, KASAPI, Kilusang Artikulo Trese, Federation of Free Workers, Kilusang Pilipino, Coalition Against Darkness and Dictatorship, Lingap Bilango and Patriotic Paradigms said de Lima’s release is a proof the fight to seek justice for human rights violations remains.

“The release of former Senator Leila de Lima is a testament of our unyielding commitment to seeking justice for all victims of human rights in one of the darkest periods in the history of our country.

We welcome the long-delayed order by the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 to grant bail to former Senator de Lima.

This decision on Criminal Case No. 17, the last of the cases against her, will end almost seven years of unjust detention on fabricated and politically-motivated drug charges,” the organizations said in a joint statement.

“Senator de Lima’s unwavering courage and resilience in the face of adversity have been an inspiration to many.

Her impending release is an important victory for the Filipino people and for advocates of justice and human rights who persevered and remained committed to the campaign for justice for Senator de Lima and other victims of human rights violations.

It reaffirms our belief that, despite adversity, advocacy for human rights and the rule of law will ultimately prevail.

Leila de Lima’s release is a beacon of hope for those who have been wrongfully accused and are suffering from violations of their human rights,” they said.