The family of former Senator Leila De Lima held a thanksgiving Mass at the Fatima Chapel in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, after the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 206 dismissed her last drug case.

Despite De Lima not being able to return to Iriga City, her family continued with the Mass to celebrate the legal victory.

The Mass was attended by her supporters, friends, and family members.

"Makikita natin sa mukha ng mga attendees natin ngayong hapon dito sa thanksgiving mass na ito [na] masasaya tayo," Gil Albaño, De Lima's cousin, said.

The family views the acquittal as proof that the truth has eventually come to light, even if it took a long time. 

The acquittal follows the court's earlier ruling allowing the former senator to post bail in 2023.

"Justice has prevailed, we are all very-very happy of what is really happening. At least, [after] waiting for so many years here it comes," Elma De Lima-Gaspi, De Lima's cousin, said.

They also had a message for those they believe were behind the numerous cases against the former senator.

“I think it is a big karma for them, just imagine how they destroyed the attorney, the senator. So maghintay lang sila, dahil ang karma — bahala sila maghintay — whatever happens to them," De Lima-Gaspi added.