De Lima humbled and elated about the IPU report and resolution on her case

Senator Leila M. de Lima today expressed elation and welcomed the decision of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to send a "trial observer" to monitor her case as it reiterated its call for her immediate release from detention.

De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte administration, said she is grateful for the IPU's resolve to get a clearer and unbiased view of the trumped-up cases of illegal drug trade filed against her.

"Despite the Duterte administration's obvious effort to intimidate and silence me through my continued unjust detention, I am grateful that the Inter-Parliamentary Union vows to fight for my right to fair trial," she said.

The IPU General Assembly, before adjourning in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation last Oct. 18, adopted the Human Rights Committee's report and recommendation for IPU to send a trial observer to monitor De Lima's legal proceedings as it reiterated its call for her release from detention.

In its 16-page report last July 27, the IPU also expressed grave concern over the trumped-up charges hurled against her which it said were based on dubious evidence and overreliance on testimonies of convicted drug inmates.

"In each of the three cases, there are serious questions and doubts about the evidence. There are general concerns about the overreliance on testimonies by convicted drug lords, not only because they are proven criminals but because these individuals have an axe to grind with Senator de Lima," the report said.

It also called on Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel to take up the cudgels for Sen. De Lima to ensure that her rights are not violated as she faces trumped-up charges levelled against her.

"The Senate has a special responsibility to help ensure that concerns about due process regarding one of its members are effectively addressed. The delegation therefore calls on the Senate, through its President, to do everything possible in this regard and thus help ensure that Senator de Lima can participate again in its work as soon as possible," it added. (For the full text of the IPU Human Rights Committee's Report, please see attached file.)

The Senator from Bicol likewise thanked the IPU for its support for her as she vowed to continue appealing to the sense of fairness and justice of the Supreme Court.

"I thank the IPU for defending my causes and vouching for my integrity. I know that my fight is not my fight alone as this is the fight for human rights, democracy and rule of law. I will never be cowed until this government decides to value democratic principles and respect for human rights," she said.

"As I've mentioned before, the support I'm getting from international groups and local supporters who refuse to turn a blind eye on the injustices happening in the country gives me more courage and strength to keep fighting the good fight," she added.

IPU's Committee on Human Rights President Fawzia Koofi (Afghanistan), along with MP Fazle Karim Chowdhury (Bangladesh) and Rogier Huzienga, IPU Human Rights programme manager, visited De Lima in detention last May 22-14 to check on her condition and know first-hand information about the former justice secretary's case.

The IPU is among the growing number of multilateral organizations and human rights advocates who have expressed serious concern over the illegal arrest and detention of De Lima over trumped-up charges of illegal drug trafficking.