UK parliamentarians join call for De Lima’s release

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Sen. Leila de Lima has gained the support of lawmakers from the United Kingdom who joined the call for her release after four years in detention.

In a statement yesterday, De Lima’s camp said 27 members of the UK Parliament wrote a letter to Philippine Ambassador to United Kingdom Antonio Lagdameo on March 1, seeking her release from detention.

Vice President Leni Robredo has expressed confidence that De Lima would be cleared of the drug charges against her.

“You will be vindicated, you will be reunited with your family and you will be able to serve our countrymen,” Robredo said in a statement released by De Lima’s office.

De Lima marked her fourth year in detention on Feb. 24. She has been detained on drug charges since 2017.

According to Robredo, De Lima is not alone in her fight as there are many Filipinos who are willing to defend her.

“I am here together with our countrymen who believe in you and in justice sending you the message: you are not alone, Senator De Lima,” Robredo said. “We have always been with you since Day 1, and we will always be with you until the end, together we will overcome this.”

Robredo said De Lima inspires people to be braver and more resolute in fighting causes bigger than themselves, adding that “her fight is the fight of every Filipino.”

Last month, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court acquitted De Lima in one of her three drug cases.