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Caritas PH supports release of former Senator De Lima

Philippines | National

Caritas PH supports release of former Senator De Lima

By Christina Hermoso

Caritas Philippines, the advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, lauded the decision of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court to release former Senator Leila de Lima.

Bishop Bagaforo.jpg — Caritas Philippines president Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo (Manila Bulletin photo)

Caritas Philippines president and Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said the decision may be considered as a triumph of justice for the former lawmaker who was jailed for seven years on charges related to Illegal drugs.

Her release, Bishop Bagaforo said, serves as a reminder to continue to fight for justice particularly for the thousands of innocent poor people in jail.

“Senator De Lima’s release is a step in the right direction. But we must do more to ensure that justice is served for all Filipinos, regardless of their social status or political affiliation,” said Bishop Bagaforo over Radio Veritas.

The Church leader likewise called on the government to hold accountable all those responsible for the injustice done to De Lima as well as to the other political prisoners.

The Muntinlupa RTC allowed the former senator to post a P300,000 bail on Nov. 13 as well as former Bureau of Corrections chief Franklin Bucayu, her former driver/body guard Ronnie Dayan, police asset Jose Adrian Dera, and security aide Jonnel Sanchez.

“We must hold accountable those who have abused their power and trampled on the rights of our fellow Filipinos,” stressed Bishop Bagaforo who vowed to continue to fight for human rights and justice for all.

CBCP president and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani, Jr. and CBCP-Public Affairs Commission executive secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano earlier expressed support for the release of former Senator De Lima.

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