De Lima hopeful, optimistic of vindication in drug case

Detained former senator Leila de Lima expressed optimism Thursday of a positive outcome in the promulgation of one of the drug cases she is facing Friday.

“With Truth on my side, I remain hopeful and optimistic of a positive outcome in my two remaining drug cases. In the name of Truth and Justice,” De Lima said in a statement.

She also asked the public to join her in prayer.

“Please stand by me and for me in this most critical phase of my journey towards freedom and vindication. Hindi po tayo pababayaan ng Mahal na Panginoon,” she added.

The case will be promulgated at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204. It involves former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Rafael Ragos who retracted his allegations against De Lima.

De Lima is accused of benefiting financially from the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison during her stint as Justice secretary. She has repeatedly denied the allegation.

In February 2021, the Muntinlupa City RTC Branch 205 junked one of the three drug cases against De Lima, who marked her sixth year in detention in February 2023.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday wished De Lima good luck on the promulgation of her case.

“Well, good luck to her… it’s something that has been ongoing for the past six years so good luck to her, whatever it is,” Remulla said in an ambush interview.

The Justice secretary, however, declined to give further comment on the proceedings, saying he did not want to influence the court.—AOL, GMA Integrated News