Former Lawmakers Denounce DOJ’s Relentless Pursuit
Former lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc have strongly criticized the Department of Justice’s relentless fight against the acquittal of Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima. They called this ongoing challenge a clear weaponization of the justice system designed to punish dissenters.
In a statement released Wednesday, former ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro and former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo highlighted that the DOJ’s actions against De Lima echo their own experience in the “Talaingod 13” case. This group of activists was convicted for allegedly violating anti-child abuse laws after rescuing minors during a mission in Talaingod in November 2018.
Shared Stories of Political Persecution
Castro and Ocampo, who are part of the Talaingod 13, explained how De Lima’s treatment mirrors their own ordeal. “What they are doing to Congresswoman De Lima is exactly what they did to us in the Talaingod 13 case—fabricated charges, trial by publicity, and relentless persecution—all part of a broader campaign to silence critics of their flawed policies,” Castro stated in Filipino.
Ocampo added, “Senator De Lima spent over six years in detention based on coerced testimonies and fabricated evidence. Now that the truth has come out and she’s been acquitted, instead of apologizing for this grave injustice, they file another motion to prolong her suffering. This is not justice — this is vindictive persecution.”
DOJ Seeks Reversal of De Lima’s Acquittal
Recently, state prosecutors from the DOJ filed a motion seeking to reverse De Lima’s acquittal in the second of three drug cases against her. The motion, dated July 14, requested the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court to reconsider its June 27 ruling and declare De Lima and her co-accused guilty of conspiracy to commit drug trading.
De Lima herself condemned the DOJ’s move, expressing disbelief. “I don’t understand what the prosecution is trying to do! Put me in triple jeopardy after nearly 7 years in unjust detention? This is no longer just laughable, it’s infuriating,” she said mostly in Filipino.
Targeted for Speaking Out
According to Castro and Ocampo, their cases, alongside De Lima’s, stem from their outspoken criticism of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s policies. “We are both victims of political persecution. We were charged for rescuing Lumad children from paramilitary forces. Congresswoman De Lima was charged because she investigated Duterte’s extrajudicial killings. Our crime? Doing what is right,” Castro explained.
Ocampo emphasized the pattern: “The pattern is clear: fabricate cases, use the media, and weaponize the courts to silence the opposition. This is not a justice system—this is state terrorism disguised as legal process.”
They noted that many progressive leaders, human rights defenders, and ordinary citizens have suffered similar fates. “We must take a stand against it,” Castro urged.
Background of the Cases
The case against Castro and Ocampo originated in November 2018 when tribal leaders, following military orders, closed the Lumad school Salugpungan in Talaingod. During the evacuation, 14 Lumad students were rescued by the group that included Castro and Ocampo.
Meanwhile, De Lima maintains that the drug charges against her were politically motivated, filed to retaliate against her investigations into Duterte’s brutal war on drugs. As former Commission on Human Rights chair, Justice Secretary, and later senator, she pursued these inquiries relentlessly.
In February 2017, the DOJ charged her with enabling drug trade within New Bilibid Prison and accepting money from drug lords. She was arrested on February 24, 2017, and detained at Camp Crame’s PNP Custodial Center.
Vindication After Years of Injustice
De Lima has since been acquitted in all three drug cases, with the final dismissal coming in June 2024. She was released on bail in November 2023, ending nearly seven years of wrongful detention.
Despite these victories, Castro stressed their ongoing fight: “They continue their relentless persecution of us and of Congresswoman De Lima. But we will not give up. Our fight for justice is also a fight for democracy. We will only achieve true justice when we all stand up against political persecution.”
For more news and updates on political persecution, visit Filipinokami.com.
