The drug case against Senator Leila de Lima has been pending in the Muntinlupa court for six years, and a promulgation date has been set for resolution. However, the prosecution has moved to reopen the trial and present a new witness against De Lima.
De Lima was arrested in 2017 on drug-related charges, which she denies. The case has been pending for several years, with De Lima requesting a speedy trial. The promulgation date for the case was set for August 17, but the prosecution has filed a motion to present a new witness in the case.
The move to reopen the trial and present a new witness has drawn criticism from De Lima’s lawyers and supporters, who allege that it is a tactic to delay the case further. De Lima’s legal team also argues that the prosecution’s move is a violation of her right to due process.
The Muntinlupa court is expected to rule on the prosecution’s motion before the promulgation date. If the court allows the prosecution to present a new witness, the trial could be prolonged further.
De Lima’s case has attracted international attention, with human rights groups and governments condemning her detention as politically motivated. De Lima has been a vocal critic of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration and its war on drugs, which has led to thousands of killings.
De Lima maintains her innocence and claims that the drug case is part of a political vendetta against her. She was a former justice secretary under the previous administration and investigated the alleged involvement of Duterte in extrajudicial killings when he was mayor of Davao City.
Despite her detention, De Lima has remained active in the Senate and has been one of the government’s most vocal critics. She has continued to push for human rights and democratic values in the Philippines.
The case against De Lima highlights the challenges facing the Philippine justice system, particularly when it comes to cases that involve high-profile individuals and political motives. The slow pace of the case has raised questions about the fairness and independence of the judiciary.
As the case continues to unfold, De Lima’s fate remains uncertain. If found guilty, she could face life imprisonment. However, human rights groups and supporters continue to call for her release and the dismissal of the charges against her.
