De Lima on drug cases: Plain and simple political persecution

Senator Leila de Lima on Friday said the drug cases filed against her before a Muntinlupa court is nothing but “plain and simple persecution.”

“This is travesty of truth and justice. Plain and simple political persecution. I will fight this out for as long as I can,” De Lima, a staunch critic of the Duterte administration, said in a statement to reporters.

“They can never break my spirit,” the senator said. 

De Lima was charged before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court for violation of Section 5 (sale and trading of illegal drugs) in relation to Section 3 (jj), Section 26 (b), and Section 28 (criminal liability of government officials and employees) under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The cases have yet to be raffled off to a judge, who may issue an arrest warrant against De Lima and her co-accused including former Bureau of Corrections Director Franklin Bucayu.

Last week, the Court of Appeals Special Sixth Division turned down a request from De Lima to stop the DOJ from deciding on the complaints against her, citing her alleged failure to show proof that she will suffer irreparable loss if her appeal is not granted. 

De Lima earlier said she is packed and ready in case she is ordered arrested by the court. She said she already met with her family and staff, and prepared them for the “worst-case scenario.”

The senator had appealed for a “safe and secure” detention center if and when she is arrested over drug-related charges, as she expressed fear that she might end up just another number in extrajudicial killing (EJK) cases. 

Last November, De Lima said that she was prepared for the two "worst case scenarios" that might befall her — that she would either end up in jail or she would be killed.

"Naisip ko na lahat ng worse scenario: ikukulong and probably worse than that. Sana naman huwag nila ako patayin para naman mayroon akong konting laban," explained De Lima. — MDM, GMA News