The Office of the Ombudsman, last 9 August 2022, issued a nine-page resolution ordering the dismissal of direct and indirect bribery complaints against former Senator Leila de Lima and her former bodyguard Ronnie Dayan. Clarifying the ruling, prosecutor Daniel Von Evan Panelo stated that the testimonies presented were inconsistent and, on several points, contradictory.

Such, of course, cannot be discounted when witness statements fail to provide a substantive, accurate, or truthful narration of facts. The complaints were thus dismissed for lack of probable cause.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the Ombudsman resolution and commends the office for upholding an expedient inquisition. CHR echoes their assertion that the innocent must be secured from oppressive prosecution as well as anxieties of public trial, especially when evidence is uncorroborated. It is through these preconditions—the conduct of due process and the respect for the rule of law— that we protect democracy and promote good governance.

While the recantation of previous statements linking the former Senator to the illegal drug trade were not taken into consideration, CHR remains hopeful that the alleged coercion and intimidation of witnesses by government officials will be looked into. This possible criminal offense must not be disregarded without appropriate action.

Former Senator de Lima has been detained now for more than half a decade. Any further delay to a fair trial directly violates the rights of persons deprived of liberty. It is the obligation of the State to ascertain truth and justice whilst presuming their innocence and guaranteeing their constitutional right to swift disposition of cases. We cannot, as duty bearers, impede the fulfillment of our moral and civic duty to the Filipino people to respect and protect their human rights.

We urge the continued exercise of impartiality, prudence, and propriety in the deliverance of justice. Let the principles of truth and objectivity, at all times, be central in our legal responsibilities.