De Lima sad over SC decision, to file MR

Detained Senator Leila de Lima is “saddened and pained” by the ruling of the Supreme Court (SC) which dismissed her petition to nullify the arrest order issued by the lower court against her on illegal drugs trading charges and release her from detention.

Under the rules, however De Lima has 15 days to file a motion for reconsideration of the Tribunal’s decision which she intends to do.

“I am deeply saddened and pained by the Supreme Court decision dismissing my petition. I had hoped that the justices who decided against my petition can feel the pain of someone who

is sent to prison and yet is innocent of any crime, and has merely fallen victim to the strong arm of the State and the President’s deeply rooted vengeance against her,” De Lima said in a statement.

The SC, voting 9-6 affirmed the arrest order issued by the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court and ordered the lower court to “proceed with dispatch with Criminal Case No 17-165”.

“The SC’s majority decision tells us the extent to which Dutertism has distorted reason, suppressed the truth and rejected the primacy of conscience,” the senator said.

“The decision,” she added, “legitimizes oppression and political persecution.”

The only thing that consoles her, she said, is the fact that six justices filed their dissenting opinion.

“I take heart though in the thought that six (6) dissenters – all venerable magistrates – stood their ground. I honor them with a profound thanks and admiration for their courage and fealty to their sworn duty,” she said.

“My lawyers will of course file a motion for reconsideration (MR), and will continue to appeal to the sense of fairness and justice of the Court,” added the senator.

“There is no other recourse but to go on fighting, especially when one is innocent as I truly am. Every day spent behind bars on bogus charges brings pain and untold sufferings. But it also strengthens resolve,” she reiterated.