Leila de Lima acquitted of all drug charges

Former Senator Leila de Lima has been cleared of all drug-related charges after the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 dismissed the conspiracy to drug trading case against her.

The court granted De Lima's demurrer to evidence, ruling the prosecution's evidence insufficient, leading to her acquittal and release in November 2023 after nearly seven years of detention.

Following her final acquittal, De Lima is considering legal action against former President Rodrigo Duterte and others she believes are behind her detention.

De Lima stated she is now "completely free and vindicated" and expressed her intent to assist the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation into drug war killings.

She declared, "Hindi 'nyo 'ko kinaya. Nakatayo pa rin ako, nakatindig pa rin ako. And sana, ma-realize mo [former president Rodrigo Duterte] na malaking kamalian 'yong ginawa 'nyo."

De Lima survived seven years of detention and, according to her, has already forgiven her tormentors, though extending forgiveness to Duterte would require divine intervention.