CTTO/Inquirer.Net
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three US senators have praised the acquittal of former Philippine Senator Leila de Lima on her final drug-related case, commending her courage in defending democratic principles in the Philippines.
“We celebrate that Senator Leila de Lima is finally free and cleared of the bogus, politically motivated charges against her,” said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in a joint statement released on Wednesday.
De Lima, an outspoken critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, was detained in 2017 on what the senators described as “trumped-up charges” related to her stance on human rights and the rule of law, particularly concerning Duterte’s controversial War on Drugs. She spent nearly seven years in jail.
The senators lauded de Lima for her unwavering commitment to justice, despite facing significant personal risk. “We commend Senator de Lima for her bravery in putting her own freedom on the line to uphold the Philippines’ democratic principles,” they said. “Her unyielding commitment to truth is an inspiration for us all as we continue to call for justice for the other victims of the War on Drugs.”
The statement also noted that the resolution of de Lima’s cases would allow the US and the Philippines to better focus on their broader alliance and shared interests. Senators Markey, Durbin, and Merkley have consistently advocated for the release of political prisoners and the dismissal of false charges, including those against de Lima. They also celebrated her release on bail in November 2023.
In addition to their individual efforts, Senators Markey and Durbin, along with Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fl.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.), introduced a bipartisan resolution highlighting human rights concerns in the Philippines.
“For almost seven years, de Lima has been held by the Government of the Philippines on dubious charges, even after multiple government witnesses recanted,” the statement continued. The senators emphasized the numerous congressional efforts to support de Lima’s release and promote human rights and democracy in the Philippines.
Earlier this week, the US State Department also welcomed de Lima’s acquittal on her final case and urged the Philippine government to resolve politically motivated cases in line with its international human rights obligations.
