International community welcomes De Lima’s release from jail

MANILA, Philippines — The United States has urged the Philippines to resolve the remaining “politically motivated” case against former senator Leila de Lima in a manner consistent with international human rights obligations and commitments.

The US Department of State said Washingon welcomed de Lima’s release on bail after nearly seven years in detention on drug charges. Her release followed her acquittal in two of three cases.

“The United States urges the Philippines to resolve the remaining case against her in a manner that is consistent with its international human rights obligations and commitments,” Matthew Miller, spokesman for the US State Department said in a statement.

French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said the release of De Lima is “excellent news.”

“We will continue following the case. But at least tonight, Nov. 13 2023, rhymes with hope,” Fontanel said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Australian Ambassador HK Yu PSM said she was pleased to see De Lima released from detention after many years.

“We look forward to the speedy resolution of her legal matters in accordance with Philippine law,” Yu posted on X.

Aside from welcoming the bail grant, the international community is expecting the conclusion of her case in “full conformity with the laws and international human rights obligations.”

European Union Ambassador Luc Véron said he was pleased by De Lima’s release, calling it a “signifiant step for rule of law in the Philippines.”

“A positive turn in the pursuit of justice! I hope that resolution of the remaining charges will be accelerated,” Véron said in a post on X.

In a post on social media, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson welcomed news about De Lima’s liberty.

“We continue to follow her case closely and look forward to seeing the remaining charges against her resolved in accordance with Philippine law,” Carlson wrote on X.

The Canadian embassy also welcomed the grant of bail for de Lima, which ended her over six years’ incarceration.

“We will continue to follow her situation closely, with the expectation of rapid resolution of proceedings in the case against her,” the embassy said in a statement. “Canada expects her case will be concluded in full