DOJ panel files motion to reconsider De Lima's acquittal

The Department of Justice's panel of prosecutors filed a motion for reconsideration before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 204 to reverse the acquittal of Rep. Leila De Lima in her illegal drugs case.

Prosecutors led by Provincial Prosecutor Ramoncito Ocampo argue that witness Rafael Ragos's recantation is not enough to invalidate his original testimony, maintaining that other pieces of evidence are sufficient to prove the crime charged.

De Lima responded by questioning the prosecution's motives, calling their move 'absurd' and 'infuriating', as she sees it as an attempt to put her in triple jeopardy after nearly seven years of unjust detention.

The prosecution contends that Judge Abraham Alcantara did not comply with the Court of Appeals directive and failed to provide a detailed discussion of the specific elements of the crime charged.

Former ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro and former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo condemned the renewed prosecution efforts, describing them as part of a broader campaign to weaponize the justice system against dissenters.