US senators, Fil-Am human rights advocates applaud release of de Lima

Former Senator Leila de Lima is released on bail after almost seven years in detention. RICHARD A. REYES

SAN FRANCISCO – Two US senators and Filipino-American human rights groups have applauded former Senator Leila de Lima’s release on bail after almost seven years in detention.

“This is a great victory over injustice in the Philippines,” said Ago Pedalizo, president of the San Francisco Chapter of the Filipino American Human Rights Alliance (FAHRA), in a statement released this week.

Pedalizo said De Lima was “politically persecuted” by the Duterte administration for her “unyielding conviction to resist extrajudicial killings” and uphold the rule of law.

Ago Pedalizo, president of the San Francisco Chapter of the Filipino American Human Rights Alliance (FAHRA), acknowledges the “much-needed support” provided by US Senators Dick Durbin and Ed Markey. Contributed

“She suffered terribly but persevered and won ultimately,” he said. “We admire her unwavering commitment to truth and justice that serves as a testament to her strength and integrity.”

Pedalizo acknowledged the “much-needed support” provided by US Senators Dick Durbin and Ed Markey, who called for the “remaining bogus charges” filed against de Lima to be dropped.

“After nearly seven years of unjust detention for defending human rights, former Philippine Senator Leila de Lima is finally free on bail,” Durbin and Markey said in a joint statement released on Nov. 13.

“Her eloquent words upon release about defending democracy and truth and not succumbing to hate amid repression are an inspiration to all of us.”

Durbin and Markey said they are looking forward to hosting de Lima’s visit to the US Senate.

‘A victorious moment’

For nearly seven years, de Lima has been detained on what the senators described as “dubious charges,” even after multiple government witnesses recanted. Since her arrest, the senators have repeatedly called for her release and for the false charges against her to be dropped.

Durbin and Markey, along with Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Chris Coons (D-DE), also introduced a bipartisan resolution that raised human rights concerns in the Philippines and specifically noted de Lima’s case.

Edwin Batongbacal, Akbayan North America’s national coordinator, described de Lima’s release as “a victorious moment in the fight for justice” and said “the fight is not yet over.”

Edwin Batongbacal, Akbayan North America’s national coordinator, describes de Lima’s release as “a victorious moment in the fight for justice.” Contributed

“Former President Rodrigo Duterte must be brought to justice for vindictively fabricating the charges against De Lima in malicious retaliation for her courageous opposition to the thousands of unjust state-sponsored extrajudicial killings perpetrated on his instigation during his presidency,” Batongbacal said.

“Duterte and his minions must be held accountable and face the consequences of their grave crimes against humanity.”

De Lima has been released from the custodial facility of the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame to comply with Muntinlupa Court 26 decision to grant her petition for bail.