Former Sen. Leila De Lima. (File photo from Agence France-Presse)
MANILA, Philippines — Several foreign envoys commended on Monday the temporary release of former Sen. Leila de Lima after nearly seven years of being detained.
In a tweet, United States Ambassador to the Philippines MarkyKay Carlson, said de Lima’s release was welcome news.
“We continue to follow her case closely and look forward to seeing the remaining charges against her resolved in accordance with Philippine law,” she said.
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European Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron said the European Union called De Lima’s release a “significant step for rule of law in the Philippines.”
“[It is] a positive turn in the pursuit of justice! I hope that resolution of the remaining charges will be accelerated,” he said.
The embassy of Canada in the Philippines said it would continue to follow De Lima’s situation closely “with the expectation of rapid resolution of proceedings in the case against her.”
“Canada expects her case will be concluded in full conformity with the laws of the Philippines, and in line with the Philippines’ international human rights obligations,” the embassy said.
Branch 206 of the Regional Trial Court in Muntinlupa granted De Lima’s petition for bail on Monday in her only remaining drug case. She was accused of being involved in the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison and was arrested in 2017.