‘2 cases down, one more to go’

“TWO cases down, one more to go.”

This is what former senator Leila de Lima said on Friday after a Muntinlupa court acquitted her on one of two remaining drug trafficking charges.

“That's already 2 cases down, and 1 more to go. I am of course happy that with this second acquittal in the three cases filed against me, my release from more than six years of persecution draws nearer. I am extremely grateful to all those who stood by and prayed for me all these years,” De Lima said.

“However, during my imprisonment, I was saddened that I will never get to see some of my relatives and friends. This perhaps is the most painful part of being imprisoned,” she added.

De Lima said that she is considering this trial as “courage to deepen her faith in the Lord.”

“As I got justice today, it is clear to me that this is not the end yet. I will continue to fight,” she said.

Also present in the hearing was De Lima's brother Vicente “Vicboy” De Lima 2nd who also expressed his gratitude to his sister's lawyers and supporters.

“Today is a glorious day. Today is a beautiful day. My sister [is] slowly getting justice. She has been imprisoned for so long. Hopefully, she will be released soon”, De Lima said.

De Lima's brother was allowed to go inside the court, together with De Lima's lawyers.