By Junex Doronio
Dropping of the charges and subsequent freedom from detention of former Senator Leila de Lima may reinvigorate the fledgling opposition that is being hijacked by her political nemesis former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte political pundits say.
Some political observers aired this possibility on Wednesday following the renewed call of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) for De Lima’s release from detention after seven long years.
“[The IPU] renews its call, in light of the foregoing, for Ms. de Lima to be released immediately and for the remaining criminal case against her to be dropped,” the international organization of national parliaments said in a decision it adopted in its 212th session.
The international group said it remains convinced that De Lima’s detention for more than seven years was in response to her vocal criticism against Duterte’s drug war and extra-judicial killings.
Several witnesses have recanted their testimonies against De Lima.
Ironically, Duterte recently hinted to become the leader of the opposition, charging that some may had been bought because they have been silent in criticizing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. that he referred to as “weak” during the 2022 presidential campaign.
(ai/mnm)