De Lima can run for reelection pending final conviction —Palace

Malacañang said Wednesday that detained Senator Leila de Lima has the right to seek reelection, pending final conviction on drug charges against her.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made the remark in response to De Lima’s announcement that she will soldier on against President Rodrigo Duterte’s persecution by gunning for a Senate seat again in 2022.

“That is her right hanggang hindi pa siya (she has right to do so) pending conviction with finality,” Roque said.

Roque, however, added that such right is not permanent. “Sana hindi magkaroon ng final conviction bago ang eleksyon” (We hope final conviction isn't coming before the May 9, 2022 polls).

Likewise, Roque insisted that the administration’s filing of charges against De Lima -- being accused of illegal drugs trading during her stint as Justice Secretary -- is not political persecution.

“There is no political persecution. She is charged with a heinous crime,” Roque pointed out.

De Lima, who has been in detention since February 2017, has vehemently denied the charges.

Since then, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court has dismissed one of the three drug charges against the senator for lack of evidence. —LBG, GMA News