MANILA – Mamamayang Liberal Party-list first nominee Atty. Leila De Lima said the group will file a bill that will establish a fund for victims of extrajudicial killings.

The measure aims to create the "EJK Victim Compensation Fund" intended for the relatives of the thousands of victims of the war on drugs during the Duterte administration.

War on Drugs, The Unheard Voices | ABS-CBN News

"Bilang bahagi ng ating patuloy na pakikibaka, ang ML Partylist ay nagsusulong ng isang batas na magtatatag ng EJK Victims Compensation Fund. Layunin nito magbigay ng suporta at kalinga sa mga pamilyang naulila at nawalan dahil sa mga walang habas na pagpatay sa ilalim ng nakaraang administrasyon," she said in a video.

De Lima said she stands with the families and communities "condemned" by the anti-illegal drugs campaign.

"Nais naming iparating na hindi kayo nag-iisa sa laban na ito. Kasama ninyo kami sa paghahanap ng katarungan at pagbangon mula sa mapait na nakaraan," she said. 

De Lima, a staunch critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was freed in 2024 after nearly 7 years of detention.

The former Senator and Justice Secretary earlier said the drug charges were retribution for her investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings in the former President's drug war. 

De Lima said on Tuesday, the same day Duterte was arrested, the former President is being made to answer to the EJK victims and their families. 

She reiterated the need to stay vigilant and united to ensure Duterte and all those involved in the drug war are held accountable.

Figures from the government recorded over 6,000 drug suspects killed in operations, but human rights groups believe the deaths may be as high as 30,000.