Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 14) — United States lawmakers urged the Marcos government to release detained former Senator Leila de Lima and drop all charges against her to “turn the page” on the previous administration’s alleged abuses.
In a letter dated Oct. 12, six US lawmakers called on Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to demonstrate their commitment to the rule of law.
“By reviewing Senator de Lima’s case, dropping the charges against her, and bringing those responsible for her unjust detention to account, you and President Marcos Jr. can turn the page on (former) President (Rodrigo) Duterte’s abuses and demonstrate your commitment to the rule of the law in the Philippines,” the letter read.
The lawmakers, including US Senators Edward Markey, Richard Durbin, and Patrick Leahy, demanded an independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances that led members of the Philippine National Police and other witnesses to make false claims against de Lima. They pointed out that key witnesses against the senator have recanted their statements.
They added that such a probe must include identifying members of the Duterte administration who may have been involved, and hold them accountable.
Members of Congress Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, Alan Lowenthal, and Donald Beyer Jr. also signed the letter addressed to Remulla.
The US lawmakers expressed “deep concern” on the continued “unjust imprisonment” of the former senator, but noted they are positive that this will change following the meeting of Marcos and a congressional delegation led by US Senator Markey in the country in August.
READ: TIMELINE: De Lima’s five-year struggle in prison
“We were — and are — optimistic that developments such as these signal a shift under President Marcos Jr.’s leadership away from the types of human rights abuses — including a violent and ineffective “war against drugs” — directed and carried out under former President Rodrigo Duterte,” they wrote.
The letter was sent after de Lima was taken hostage and threatened by another prisoner at the national police headquarters in Camp Crame on Oct. 9. The US lawmakers noted the need for the Marcos administration to revisit her case “rather than simply transfer her to another detention site.”
Meanwhile, Marcos said “urging prosecutors to do one thing or another is interfering,” when asked about the calls for him to help with the release of de Lima. He said he has no doubt about the process and continues to monitor “what is going on.”
“I have said, we are very, very clear that we have three departments of government, at siguro naman hindi natin dapat—pabayaan natin, hindi naman natin pinagdududahan ang proseso,” he told reporters on Friday.
[Translation: I have said, we are very, very clear that we have three departments of government, and maybe we should not — let’s leave it to them, we don’t doubt the process.]
Marcos said he talked to de Lima on Sunday morning to suggest a transfer to another detention site if she feels unsafe. The former senator declined the offer and, according to the president, “She never asked me to do anything.”
The chief executive said that was the extent of their discussion, including De Lima’s plea for him to direct the Department of Justice to stop blocking the testimony of the recanting prosecution witness Rafael Ragos and presenting perjured witnesses.
Aside from releasing de Lima, the US lawmakers further asked Remulla to continue working with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to implement recommendations and address concerns raised in a September report on the country.
They said the Philippines’ Interagency Review Panel must accelerate its review of killings related to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug operations, and the government must pass proposed legislation that protects human rights defenders.
and for them to stop presenting obviously perjured witnesses like Herbert Colangco. You can reverse the grievious wrongs inflicted on me by your predecessor. Please, Mr. President. Salamat po. [2/2]
— Leila de Lima (@AttyLeiladeLima) October 13, 2022
