Court upholds de Lima’s dismissal in drug case

MANILA (UPDATED) — Former senator and now Congresswoman-elect Leila de Lima has expressed both gratitude and resolve after the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 stood by its earlier decision to acquit her in one of the drug-related cases she faced.

The Muntinlupa City RTC Branch 204 acquitted incoming De Lima in her drug case that was remanded by the Court of Appeals last April.

Her co-accused and former driver and bodyguard Ronnie Dayan was likewise acquitted of violation of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 in relation to illegal drug trading.

“Wherefore both accused Leila M. De Lima y Magistrado and Ronnie Palisoc Dayan are hereby acquitted of the crime charged on the ground of reasonable doubt,” said Presiding Judge Abraham Joseph Alcantara. 

In the April 30, 2025 decision of the CA, the decision was remanded to the RTC following the petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General

“for failure” of Alcantara to substantiate his perception of the alleged insufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence convicting De Lima and Ronnie Dayan. 

Judge Alcantara however said in his new decision that he has already “clearly and distinctly”stated the facts and law upon which his May 12, 2023 decision was based. 

Alcantara further stated that the original decision essentially explained that the recantation of the prosecution's main witness already created reasonable doubt. 

“The totality of said recantation, by itself, was sufficient basis for the RTC to uphold the Constitutionally guaranteed presumption of innocence,” Alcantara said.

VINDICATED

“Vindicated numerous times, and yet they are relentless in trying to silence me,” she said, stressing what she sees as a continuous effort to suppress her voice. “But no matter how hard they try, they cannot erase the truth, nor undo what has already been revealed in the light of justice.”

The former senator also thanked the judge for his firmness. 

She said, “Ito lang yata ang kaso sa Pilipinas na kailangan ulitin ng huwes ang pag render o promulgate ng judgment of acquittal.” This legal maneuver highlights the persistent challenges her legal team has faced.

De Lima expressed hope that the latest acquittal would be the final blow to what she has long maintained is a politically motivated case.

“I hope and pray that this is the last nail in the coffin of this most expensive frame-up in Philippine history,” she explained.

De Lima, who was recently elected to the House of Representatives, also vowed to continue her work for justice and reform.

“Patuloy po tayong maninindigan para sa hustisya, reporma, at para sa mga kapakanan ng mga nasa laylayan,” she added.

She also stressed that despite past attempts to stop her, her resolve remains unbroken.

“Hindi po nila tayo napigilan noon, hinding hindi po tayo magpapapigil ngayon. Nakatindig pa rin po tayo,” she asserted.

She ended her statement with a call for unity and urged the public to work together for a more accountable government.

“Sama-sama po tayo para sa isang mas makatarungang Pilipinas na may pananagutan ang mga nasa kapangyarihan,” de Lima concluded.