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The DOJ has withdrawn its appeal of Leila de Lima’s acquittal in a drug case, with Prosecutor General Fadullon admitting the motion “should not have been filed,” signaling a shift in prosecutorial policy.
MANILA, Philippines – In a move signaling a rare admission of prosecutorial error, the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) has withdrawn its attempt to overturn the acquittal of former Senator Leila de Lima in one of her long-running drug cases. The motion for reconsideration—filed earlier this year—was rescinded on orders from Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, who acknowledged that the appeal “should not have been filed in the first place.”
The motion, which had sought to reverse a 2023 ruling by the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 clearing de Lima of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading, was officially withdrawn on July 22. The former senator was previously accused of allowing drug syndicates to operate in the New Bilibid Prison during her term as justice secretary—allegations she has consistently denied.
“Upon thorough review, I concluded that the motion for reconsideration was unwarranted,” Fadullon stated. “We are duty-bound to ensure that legal actions reflect both the evidence and the interest of justice.”
DE LIMA: A STEP TOWARD JUSTICE
De Lima, who was detained for nearly seven years before being granted temporary liberty in November 2023, welcomed the development. Her lawyers called the DOJ’s action a validation of the court’s original decision to acquit.
“This development strengthens the court’s finding that the evidence was insufficient and unreliable,” said Atty. Boni Tacardon. “We thank the DOJ for reassessing its position.”
De Lima remains on trial for a third and final drug-related case—Criminal Case No. 17-166—still pending before another Muntinlupa court. Two of the government’s key witnesses in that case, former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos and former aide Ronnie Dayan, have since recanted their testimonies, citing alleged coercion and political pressure.
“I await my full vindication,” de Lima said in a brief statement. “I thank all those who have stood by me in my fight for justice.”
YEARS OF CONTROVERSY
The former senator’s arrest in 2017 made international headlines, with human rights groups, lawmakers, and global institutions denouncing what they described as politically motivated charges. De Lima had been a prominent critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, launching Senate investigations into extrajudicial killings linked to police operations.
Her incarceration drew repeated calls for release from the United Nations, Amnesty International, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and foreign governments including the United States and members of the European Union.
SHIFT IN DOJ POSTURE
Fadullon’s directive marks a notable shift under the DOJ leadership of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who has called for “evidence-based prosecution” and the depoliticization of the justice system. Legal observers say the withdrawal may reflect a broader effort to recalibrate prosecutorial discretion following years of public and international scrutiny.
“This move could be read as a signal that the DOJ is trying to rebuild public trust and reinforce its institutional independence,” said constitutional law professor Antonio La Viña. “It also shows a recognition that mistakes must be corrected—even if belatedly.”
The DOJ has not confirmed whether similar reviews are underway for other controversial cases but emphasized that “each case must stand on its own merits.”
TOWARD JUSTICE AND REFORM
Since regaining her provisional liberty in 2023 after nearly seven years in detention, de Lima and her supporters have continued to push for reforms to prevent the weaponization of the legal system.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” said former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. “Accountability must extend beyond the courtroom to those who misuse the law.”
With the DOJ’s latest decision, many see a turning point—not only for de Lima’s legal battle, but for public perception of institutional accountability in the Philippines.
