The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) applauds Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206’s decision to acquit and grant “demurrer to evidence,” declaring former CHR Chairperson and Senator Leila de Lima not guilty and effectively dismissing her third and final drug case.

In the court decision, Muntinlupa City RTC Branch 206 granted the demurrer for the failure of the prosecution to prove the guilt of all accused beyond reasonable doubt. “Assessing the totality of the evidence presented by the prosecution, the Court is of the firm resolve and so holds that the prosecution was not able to prove the guilt of all accused beyond a reasonable doubt,” the court said.

Former Corrections Director Franklin Bucayu, de Lima’s former bodyguard Ronnie Dayan, Joenel Sanchez, and Jad Dera were also acquitted alongside Senator de Lima.

The Commission welcomes the decision as it is a significant victory for justice and the rule of law. Likewise, we commend the Muntinlupa RTC and all concerned individuals whose efforts played a crucial role in ensuring that justice and the rule of law are upheld.

As Senator de Lima fully regains her freedom, her case must serve as a catalyst to continuously sound the alarm to uphold justice, protect human rights, and foster an environment where dissent is valued and respected without fear of retribution. After all, no one else should endure such an ordeal in pursuing truth and justice.

Hindi naigagapos ang katotohanan, sa rehas man o tanikala, mananatiling malaya ang hustisya. ###