The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the verdict of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch (RTC) 256 to acquit former CHR Chairperson and Senator Leila de Lima on her second drug case.
In his ruling, Muntinlupa RTC Judge Abraham Alcantara explained that the recantation of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos shrouded the case with reasonable doubt, which led to his decision to acquit former senator de Lima and her former driver-bodyguard Ronnie Dayan. The Court also said that it did not see positive evidence that links both accused in the illegal drug trade.
CHR welcomes the progress on the case as it demonstrates the commitment of the judiciary to the rule of law and justice. In light of this development that upholds the innocence of former Senator de Lima on two out of three drug cases, the Commission equally hopes for the swift decision of the Court on the application of bail on her remaining case.
It cannot be ignored that former senator de Lima has been in pre-trial detention for more than six years with no conviction. Languishing in jail due to previous considerable delays and numerous limbo in trial is tantamount to the deprivation of guaranteed human right as indicated in the UN Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners, which says that: “Except for those limitations that are demonstrably necessitated by the fact of incarceration, all prisoners shall retain the human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
In line with State obligation, we are thus hopeful that the justice system will tilt the balance in favour of what is just, right, and humane to counter impunity and further injustices.
The concluding remarks of the Court’s ruling is also worth highlighting: “[V]igilance in eradicating illegal drugs cannot come at the expense of disregarding the rule of law, evidence, and established jurisprudence on the matter.” In the same vein, CHR equally supports efforts to combat drugs but it must not compromise human rights and should instead conform with human rights standards to ensure a genuine and sustainable solution cognizant of the dignity of each human being.
CHR is hopeful of faster development and swift resolution of the remaining charge against the former senator. It is crucial to consistently uphold the right to a speedy and fair trial for all accused. Further, we urge that the right to be presumed innocent is applied extensively and consistently to all persons awaiting resolution of their cases, regardless of their socio-economic background, political affiliation, or status. ###