Presumptive congresswoman Leila de Lima has expressed surprise over the recent decision by the Court of Appeals (CA) 8th Division to remand one of her drug cases back to the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC). The CA’s ruling cited the need for the RTC to clarify its decision, claiming it was not sufficiently clear.
In a statement, De Lima said, “Kataka-taka itong desisyon na ito na mistulang pinapaulit ng CA ang pagkasulat ng desisyon ng RTC dahil daw hindi ito masyadong malinaw.” She voiced her bewilderment at the CA’s order, interpreting it as a directive to rewrite or reconsider the original RTC decision.
Despite the setback, De Lima assured the public that her legal team is prepared to exhaust all judicial remedies. “Gayunpaman, iaapela namin ang decision ng CA hanggang Supreme Court kung kinakailangan,” she said, confirming their intent to elevate the case to the highest court if necessary.
Significantly, De Lima emphasized that the remanding of the case does not negate her acquittal. She reaffirmed the finality and unappealing nature of her previous acquittal on the grounds of double jeopardy. “Hindi pa ito nangangahulugan na wala nang bisa ang aking acquittal. Final and unappealable ang aking acquittal dahil sa prinsipyo ng double jeopardy,” De Lima explained.
The principle of double jeopardy prevents a person from being tried twice for the same offense once acquitted or convicted, which De Lima’s defense hinges upon. Her legal team argues that the acquittal she secured should protect her from any further prosecution in this case.
Leila de Lima has been a controversial figure in Philippine politics, facing multiple drug-related charges that she and her supporters claim are politically motivated. Despite the legal battles, she has maintained her innocence and continues to assert that the charges are part of a broader effort to silence her.
The CA’s decision to send the case back to the Muntinlupa RTC adds another twist to a long-running legal saga that has captured public attention. For now, De Lima’s team prepares to respond through all available judicial channels while underscoring the inviolability of the acquittal granted under double jeopardy protections.
As the case unfolds, the Philippine legal community and the public await further developments, particularly whether the Supreme Court will intervene to settle the issue once and for all.