Justice Department Withdraws Motion Against De Lima
MANILA, Philippines — The Justice Department’s recent decision to withdraw the motion for reconsideration in a dismissed drug case has sparked calls to address abusive prosecutors. Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima expressed gratitude to the Department of Justice (DOJ) while demanding action against those who misused the justice system.
De Lima, a former senator, welcomed the formal withdrawal of the motion but questioned what measures would be taken against prosecutors who relentlessly pursued baseless charges. “I thank and commend SOJ Remulla for bringing sense and order to the unethical actuations of Provincial Prosecutor Ramoncito Bienvenido Ocampo Jr. and his Panel,” she said.
Prosecutors’ Political Agenda Under Fire
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ordered the motion’s withdrawal, a move confirmed by Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, who said the panel will file the withdrawal within the week. De Lima’s team assessed that prosecutors acted on a political agenda closely tied to former President Rodrigo Duterte.
De Lima has long been a vocal critic of the Duterte administration, having led investigations into the controversial drug war during her time as Commission on Human Rights chief, Justice Secretary, and senator. She insists the drug cases against her were politically motivated vendettas.
“They have been doing so for the past 7 years. Insofar as my case is concerned, they still answer to the Duterte cabal, like many in the government who are still loyal to FPRRD,” de Lima stated. She accused some officials of compromising their roles by prioritizing loyalty over justice.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
De Lima urged the DOJ to probe and discipline those prosecutors who have abused their power for years. She warned that if left unchecked, anyone could become a victim.
“I was incarcerated for almost seven years with the help and cooperation of these prosecutors who seem to have no conscience in degrading not only my dignity but also the country’s legal system. Will we simply allow that?” she asked.
The former senator was arrested in February 2017 on charges related to drug trafficking alleged to have occurred inside New Bilibid Prison. Despite being detained for nearly seven years, she was acquitted in all cases, with the last dismissal occurring in June 2024. She was released on bail in November 2023.
De Lima expressed hope that the DOJ under Secretary Remulla will address the remnants of the previous administration within the prosecution service whose loyalty may lie elsewhere.
“Sec. Remulla and PG Fadullon should deal with these remnants of the Duterte administration whose loyalty lies not with the DOJ but with Duterte. They are seriously compromising the DOJ and the NPS under Remulla’s watch,” she said.
For more news and updates on DOJ motion withdrawal, visit Filipinokami.com.
