Leila: US ban on accusers a ‘wonderful blessing’

MANILA, Philippines — Detained Sen. Leila de Lima said she has received the “most wonderful Christmas blessing” with the passage into law of the United States 2020 Appropriations Bill, which includes the imposition of an entry ban against government officials responsible for her incarceration.

De Lima said the imposition of sanctions in the approved appropriation bill signifies a solid recognition of her being a victim of political persecution.

“This latest development signals the fact that impunity cannot last and that one way or another, justice will catch up with those who choose to do injustice to others,” she added.

Last Dec. 20, US President Donald Trump signed into law the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill.

It stated that the US Secretary of State shall apply the subsection on the prohibition of entry “to foreign government officials about whom the Secretary has credible information have been involved in the wrongful imprisonment” of De Lima, who has been detained on trumped-up drug charges since Feb. 24, 2017.

De Lima said what she described as the systematic and widespread violation of human rights must be condemned and punished with sanctions by the community of nations because it is not an exercise of sovereignty or independence.

“It is only a matter of time before the European Union, Canada, and other nations follow suit in imposing sanctions on Duterte, his officials and their cohorts. Human rights is fighting back! Accountability is coming! A most wonderful Christmas blessing! Thank you, US! Thank you, dear God!” De Lima said.