Court junks plea to reverse De Lima acquittal

MANILA, Philippines — A Muntinlupa court has rejected the appeal of prosecutors to reverse the acquittal of former senator Leila de Lima in the last drug case filed against her during the Duterte administration.

In a four-page order promulgated on Aug. 7, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 denied the prosecution’s motion to set aside the RTC’s decision, granting De Lima’s demurrer to evidence, which is tantamount to acquittal.

The RTC said its decision could not be appealed since De Lima has been acquitted of the drug cases.

The court said the only way it can reverse its judgment is if it committed grave abuse of discretion.

The order was penned by Judge Gener Gito.

In July, the RTC cleared De Lima of drug charges, saying the prosecution failed to prove her guilt beyond reasonable doubt.