Court junks appeal vs de Lima acquittal

(UPDATE) THE Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 206 dismissed the motion for reconsideration against the acquittal of former senator Leila de Lima in the third and final drug case against her, the Liberal Party (LP) announced on Thursday evening.

According to a decision penned by Judge Gener Gito, the prosecution «did not even ascribe grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Court.»

The ruling came days after de Lima celebrated her 65th birthday, last Tuesday.

Former senator Leila de Lima. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

On Friday, the LP showed photos of the former senator, who now serves as its spokesman, joining members of the party's Mangayon chapter in Iloilo and members of Liberal Youth.

De Lima was already acquitted of all drug cases against her back in June.

«Assessing the totality of the evidence presented by the prosecution, the Court is of the firm resolve and so holds that the prosecution was not able to prove the guilt of all accused beyond a reasonable doubt,» the ruling states.

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On September 5, de Lima will join former representatives Teddy Baguilat and Erin Tañada in a Civic Education Forum at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, organized by the Liberal Youth.