Court dismisses De Lima's last drug case

Former senator Leila de Lima, an arch critic of the previous administration, has now been cleared of all the drug charges filed against her during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte.

- DAPHNE GALVEZ

The Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 yesterday granted De Lima's demurrer to evidence on her third and last charge of conspiracy to commit drug trading.

A demurrer to evidence is filed by the defense to argue that the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence in the case and warrants a dismissal.

The granting of the demurrer means that the prosecution failed to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

With the dismissal of the third and final drug charge, De Lima, who was temporarily out of detention after the Muntinlupa court granted her bail in November last year, is now considered completely free.

"Napakalaki ng ginhawa at saya ang nararamdaman ko ngayon (I feel so relieved and happy at the moment). With the grant of our demurrer to evidence, which is tantamount to acquittal, that means I am now completely free and vindicated. It's very liberating," De Lima told reporters.

She also sent a strong warning to Duterte, saying he will be the one to "pay for his crimes."