00:00 It took quite a while, but today, after very many challenges and legal battles, former
00:04 Senator Leila de Lima obtained her liberty.
00:08 This after a Muntinlupa regional trial court granted her request to post bail and finally
00:13 step out of jail and returned her loved ones and loyal supporters who for years never wavered
00:19 in the resolve and optimism that someday a day like today will actually come.
00:24 Luisa Arispe has the full report.
00:29 It was an emotional day for the camp of former Senator Leila de Lima because after almost
00:34 seven years, the long-awaited freedom has been served.
00:37 This after the Muntinlupa regional trial court granted the motion for reconsideration for
00:42 bail of de Lima on her last drug-related case.
00:45 Upon her exit from the court, de Lima raised her hands and thanked all those who supported
00:51 her including the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
00:55 "For years, for years, my whole gang has been crying out for justice.
01:10 For more than six long years, praying so hard for this day to come.
01:36 And most importantly, the end result, Senator Leila de Lima will get the justice she rightfully
01:43 deserved.
01:44 And her seven years, almost seven years of being in jail, we will stop her today."
01:52 Based on the court order, de Lima was released due to hearsays and lack of evidence shown
01:57 by the prosecution to confirm there was a conspiracy between the witnesses and her party.
02:03 Because of this, de Lima was granted bail for 300,000 pesos, same with co-accused Janelle
02:08 Sanchez and Jad Dera.
02:10 This is the second time she asked for bail.
02:13 Her first petition was denied but they filed a motion for reconsideration after the presiding
02:18 judge in the Muntinlupa trial court was changed.
02:22 After de Lima posted her bail, she was brought to Camp Kame for the processing of her release
02:26 followed by a press conference.
02:28 "I always knew that while the former president was in power, I will not be set free because
02:38 my persecution was his project.
02:43 So how can I be set free during his term?"
02:56 She even left a message to former President Rodrigo Duterte.
03:11 De Lima's supporters cheered outside the court after the announcement.
03:15 Senator Riza Hontiveros was emotional during the press conference and said the former senator
03:20 was the most criticized during the previous administration.
03:40 Senator Bato de la Rosa on the other hand simply said, "I am happy for him because
03:58 one soul that is freed from detention, I am happy.
03:59 I am happy for my fellow man.
04:00 He is happy, I am happy too."
04:01 Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulles said this decision was an indication
04:03 that there is an independence between the executive and the judicial body.
04:31 De Lima said as of now, her team is not yet preparing to go after her persecutors but
04:36 this will be part of her plan.
04:38 For the meantime, she said she is aware that her case is not yet officially resolved by
04:43 the court.
04:44 Luisa Erispe for The Nation.
