Nanawagan ang Caritas Philippines, ang social action at advocacy arm ng Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), ng agarang pagpapalaya kay dating Senador Leila de Lima matapos itong mapawalang-sala sa isa sa kaniyang dalawang natitirang drug case.
Sa pahayag ng Caritas Philippines nitong Biyernes, Mayo 12, pinuri rin nito ang nangyaring pag-abswelto ng Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) sa ikalawang drug case laban kay de Lima na inihain ng Department of Justice (DOJ) noong 2017.
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"We welcome the recent acquittal of former Senator Leila de Lima in one of her remaining drug charges. This decision by the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 brings us closer to the realization of justice and emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law," saad ni Bishop Bagaforo.
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"We acknowledge that the retraction of a key witness and former Bureau of Corrections acting chief Rafael Ragos played a significant role in the court's ruling. This acquittal, coupled with a previous clearance in one of the three charges filed against her, highlights the strength of Senator de Lima's innocence and further strengthens our call for her immediate release," dagdag niya.
Samantala, sa kabila ng pag-unlad ng kaso, iginiit ng obispo na nananatiling nakakulong si de Lima hanggang sa pagresolba ng kaniyang petisyon para sa piyansa.
Kaya naman, nanawagan siyang pabilisin ang desisyon ng Muntinlupa City RTC Branch 256 at bigyan umano ng pagkakataon si de Lima na mabawi ang kaniyang kalayaan .
"We applaud Senator de Lima for her resilience and unwavering commitment to upholding justice throughout this arduous journey. Her acquittal, in this case, reaffirms our belief in the merits of her defense and serves as a testament to the flaws and inconsistencies in the charges fabricated against her," ani Bishop Bagaforo.
"Our organization remains committed to promoting a just and peaceful society where the rights and dignity of every individual are upheld. The immediate release of Senator Leila de Lima is not only a significant step towards justice but also a symbol of our collective commitment to safeguarding human rights and ensuring the rule of law," dagdag niya.
