Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 12) — The brother of ex-Senator Leila de Lima expressed gratitude to the lawyers and supporters of his sister following the decision of a Muntinlupa court to acquit her in one of her two remaining drug cases.
“The judge did the right and just thing,” Vicente de Lima told reporters on Friday. “Today is a glorious day, today is a beautiful day.”
Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 on Friday announced the acquittal of De Lima in connection with the allegation of state prosecutors that she benefitted from the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison.
According to De Lima’s brother, the decision of the court was handed down quickly. Upon hearing this, supporters inside the courtroom applauded and cheered, he said.
“This has been too long. Sabi nga, justice delayed is justice denied. Masyadong tumagal ‘yung kaso kaya ngayon masayang-masaya kami sa aming pamilya,” he said.
[Translation: This has been too long. As what they say, justice delayed is justice denied. The case took so long that is why our family is now happy.]
Vicente expessed hope that the decision on the former senator’s plea for bail for her remaining drug case will be granted immediately.
