DE LIMA’S DRUG ACQUITTAL OVERTURNED IN APPEALS COURT RULING

The Court of Appeals (CA) has reversed the acquittal of former Senator Leila de Lima in one of her drug cases, citing grave abuse of discretion by the Muntinlupa RTC judge.

The CA ruled that the trial court’s decision relied too heavily on the retraction of a key prosecution witness without properly considering other evidence or clearly explaining which elements of the crime were unproven.

The case has been sent back to the RTC for further proceedings in line with the appellate court’s decision.

De Lima’s camp announced plans to file a motion for reconsideration and may elevate the case to the Supreme Court, maintaining that her acquittal remains valid under the principle of double jeopardy.

De Lima, a longtime critic of Duterte’s drug war, was granted bail last year and recently won a seat in the House of Representatives.

Source: PhilNews24 | May 16, 2025