DOJ withdraws motion for reconsideration in De Lima drug case

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday that it would withdraw its motion for reconsideration filed by government prosecutors in one of the illegal drugs cases against Makabayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima.

De Lima expressed gratitude towards DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, acknowledging their efforts to address what she termed as unethical actions by the prosecutors.

The withdrawal follows a series of acquittals for De Lima in drug-related cases, with the latest decision reaffirmed by Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 after it denied a previous motion for reconsideration.

Prosecutor General Fadullon stated that pursuing the MR would amount to 'double jeopardy' and should not have been filed in the first place.

De Lima called on the Justice Department to properly investigate and sanction the panel of prosecutors who acted based on political motives, emphasizing that they should not get away with trampling upon her rights and the justice system.

In May 2023, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 acquitted De Lima and her former driver Ronnie Dayan in a drug case, but the decision was later remanded back to the RTC by the Court of Appeals.

The latest acquittal ruling was affirmed by the RTC in June, prompting prosecutors to file the motion for reconsideration which has now been withdrawn.