Will a Philippine senator’s exoneration spark a deeper probe into Duterte’s drug war?

Activists say Leila de Lima’s vindication shows investigators must press ahead with probe of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war

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Supporters of Leila de Lima celebrate outside court after she was granted bail following nearly seven years behind bars. Photo: AFP

Published: 6:28pm, 25 Jun 2024Updated: 5:15am, 26 Jun 2024

The dismissal of the drug charges against former Philippine Senator Leila de Lima, which were widely believed to have been politically motivated by her fierce criticism of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has been seen as a victory for the integrity of the country’s legal system under the current administration.

Activists said the dismissal demonstrates “firmer action” is needed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s government and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the malfeasance that allegedly took place during the previous administration’s bloody war on drugs, which could negatively impact the Duterte clan’s political future.

On Monday, a regional court in Muntinlupa City granted the former Philippine human rights commissioner’s motion to dismiss her third and final conspiracy to commit drug charge due to the prosecution being unable to provide enough evidence to prove her guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

De Lima told reporters she felt “an enormous sense of relief and happiness” after the decision was announced.

Former Philippines senator Leila de Lima waves as she walks out of the Philippine National Police custodial centre after being granted bail following over six years in detention on November 13. Photo: Reuters

“It’s very liberating. I respected the rule of law, despite the pain, despite the injustices of it all. I confronted the charges head on, and I went through and endured the whole process,” she added.