Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 14) – Senator Leila De Lima has filed a motion for bail in her second drug case saying that evidence against her are not “strong” to prove that she is guilty of engaging in illegal drug trade.
“Given all the witnesses, opportunities, and time given to the Prosecution thus far, it has failed to present strong evidence that Accused De Lima is guilty of the charge of conspiracy to engage in illegal drug trading,” read the second motion before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205.
This is her second case pending in the same court, where she previously filed a similar motion asserting that evidence against her is weak.
The senator was arrested in 2017 for her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison while she was the Justice secretary from 2010 to 2015.
The motion also stated that most witnesses who testified against De Lima admitted that they were just repeating what others stated, regarding her alleged participation in the conspiracy.
Moreover, even those who were presented by the prosecution as having firsthand knowledge on illegal drug transactions inside the national penitentiary, testified that they don’t have an idea on the senator’s involvement, the motion said.
“If the said alleged delivery [of money to her house] could not even be proven by competent, credible, and uninterested witnesses, much less can the allegation that Accused De Lima knowingly and willingly conspired with anyone to engage in illegal drug trade,” read the motion.
It further said that granting De Lima’s appeal to post bail is her constitutional right as there is no sufficient evidence against her.
