FORMER Senator Leila de Lima’s acquittal on Friday of charges related to involvement in illegal drugs during her tenure as justice secretary under the Aquino administration has demonstrated that the Philippines’ justice system is “functioning well.”

“The rule of law has prevailed, and it just points out to us that the independence of the judiciary is a basic foundation of our democratic system,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said. “So it’s good, it’s good for us.”

Meanwhile, Atty. Filibon Tacardon, spokesperson and one of the counsels of de Lima, said the former legislator was acquitted by the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) due to lack of evidence and the recantation of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Officer-in-Charge Rafael Ragos.

According to him, Branch 204 found that the prosecution had failed to present positive evidence linking de Lima and Ronnie Dayan to the alleged drug trade.

Also, Tacordan bared that de Lima was emotional upon hearing the verdict, thanking the court, media, and fellow Filipinos for supporting her in her fight against harassment.

Tacordan expressed hope that Branch 256, the other Muntinlupa court hearing de Lima’s other case, would follow suit and grant her motion to post bail.

The prosecution is scheduled to present evidence against de Lima’s bail motion on June 5.

De Lima faces charges of conspiring with former BuCor chief Franklin Jesus Bucayu and her nephew Jose Adrian Dera to engage in illegal drug trading within the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed drug charges against de Lima, accusing her of benefiting from the illegal drug trade during her tenure as justice secretary in the Aquino administration.

She is currently detained at the Philippine National Police-Custodial Center.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas