A Muntinlupa court has reaffirmed the acquittal of former senator Leila de Lima in her final drug case, rejecting the prosecutors’ motion for reconsideration.
In an order dated August 7, the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 stated that the dismissal of the case through a demurrer to evidence is final and cannot be appealed, as it would constitute double jeopardy for de Lima.
The court emphasized that no grave abuse of discretion was found in its prior decision, which cannot be vacated without such a finding.
The acquittal follows Judge Gener Gito’s June ruling that the evidence presented was insufficient for conviction.
A demurrer to evidence motion aims to dismiss a case based on inadequate prosecution evidence.
Source : PhilNews24 | August 30, 2024
