Leila de Lima

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Leila de Lima

| image = Leila de Lima (cropped).jpg

| image_size = 220px

| caption = De Lima in 2016

| order =

| president =

| office = Member-elect of the Philippine House of Representatives for Mamamayang Liberal

| term_start = June 30, 2025

| succeeding = N/A

| office1 = Senator of the Philippines

| term_start1 = June 30, 2016

| term_end1 = June 30, 2022

| office2 = Chair of the Senate Electoral Reforms and People's Participation Committee

| term_start2 = July 25, 2016

| term_end2 = July 24, 2018

| predecessor2 = Koko Pimentel

| successor2 = Koko Pimentel

| office3 = Chair of the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee

| term_start3 = July 25, 2016

| term_end3 = September 19, 2016

| predecessor3 = Koko Pimentel

| successor3 = Dick Gordon

| office4 = 56th Secretary of Justice

| president4 = Benigno Aquino III

| term_start4 = June 30, 2010

| term_end4 = October 12, 2015

| succeeding4 =

| predecessor4 = Alberto Agra (acting)

| successor4 = Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa (acting)

| order5 =

| office5 = Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights

| president5 = Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

| term_start5 = May 19, 2008

| term_end5 = June 30, 2010

| predecessor5 = Purificacion Quisumbing

| successor5 = Etta Rosales

| birth_name = Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa Magistrado de Lima

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1959|08|27}}

| birth_place = Iriga, Camarines Sur, Philippines

| death_date =

| death_place =

| alma_mater = De La Salle University (AB)
San Beda University (LL.B)

| occupation = Politician

| profession = Lawyer

| party = Liberal (2015–present)
Mamamayang Liberal (2024–present) {{small|(party-list)}}

| otherparty = Independent (2010–2015)
Aksyon (2001–2010)

| relatives = Lilia de Lima (aunt)

| signature = Leila de Lima Signature.svg

| spouse = Pláridel Bohol (annulled)

| children = 2

| website = {{Official website|leiladelima.ph}}

}}

Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa Magistrado de Lima (born August 27, 1959) is a Filipino politician, lawyer, human rights activist and law professor who is the representative-elect for Mamamayang Liberal, the sectoral wing of the Liberal Party. De Lima previously served as a senator of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 and as secretary of justice from 2010 to 2015.

Born in Iriga, Camarines Sur, de Lima was educated at the De La Salle University and the San Beda College of Law. She passed the Philippine Bar Examinations in 1985 and began her legal career as a staff member of Associate Justice Isagani Cruz. From 2008 to 2010, she served as the chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights under the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In 2010, President Benigno Aquino III appointed de Lima to his cabinet as secretary of justice. She would hold the position until 2015, when she sought a seat in the Senate of the Philippines. In 2016, de Lima was elected to the Senate, having ran under the Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid. She was defeated in her re-election bid in 2022 under Team Robredo–Pangilinan.

Known as a vocal critic of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, she was arrested in 2017 under charges linked to the New Bilibid Prison drug trafficking scandal during her term as justice secretary. Later that year, she was awarded the Prize for Freedom by Liberal International. She was held in pretrial detention until 2023, although she served out her remaining term as senator and filed legislation while held.

De Lima was elected in the 2025 Philippine House of Representatives elections as the first nominee of Mamamayang Liberal.

Early life and education

De Lima was born on August 27, 1959, in Iriga, Camarines Sur, where she was raised.{{Cite web |title=6. ML |url=https://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/2025NLE/COC_2025NLE/COC_Partylist162/6.%20ML.pdf |access-date=October 30, 2024 |website=Commission on Elections}} She is the eldest daughter of former Philippine Commission on Elections commissioner Vicente de Lima and Norma (née Magistrado).{{cite news |url=http://www.inquirer.net/wp-content/themes/Homepage_2012/jbc/images/DeLima.pdf |title=De Lima, Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa, Magistrado |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=September 4, 2016 |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927212707/http://www.inquirer.net/wp-content/themes/Homepage_2012/jbc/images/DeLima.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://time.com/4603123/leila-de-lima-philippines-opposition-duterte-drug-war/ |title=The Fighter: How Leila de Lima Ended Up Leading the Opposition to Rodrigo Duterte's Drug War |publisher=Time |access-date=December 17, 2016 |date=December 14, 2016 |archive-date=May 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511233056/https://time.com/4603123/leila-de-lima-philippines-opposition-duterte-drug-war/ |url-status=live }}

De Lima completed her basic education at La Consolacion Academy (now La Consolacion College Iriga), graduating as class valedictorian. She graduated in 1980 from the De La Salle University with an AB History and Political Science degree. She finished her Bachelor of Laws (Salutatorian) degree at the San Beda College of Law in 1985. She placed eighth in the 1985 Philippine Bar Examinations with an 86.26% bar rating.{{cite web|url=https://philippinebar.wordpress.com/tag/bar-exams-results/|title=Bar Exams Results - Philippine Bar Examination Cafe|website=philippinebar.wordpress.com|access-date=August 22, 2018|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130115420/https://philippinebar.wordpress.com/tag/bar-exams-results/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://leiladelima.ph/about/|title=About|website=The Official Website of Senator Leila de Lima|accessdate=December 13, 2023}}

Legal career

De Lima began her career as a staff member of Supreme Court Associate Justice Isagani Cruz from 1986 to 1989. She subsequently entered private practice in the 1990s, specializing in election law. She also taught law at San Beda College of Law from 1986 to 1994 and from 2006 to 2007 and worked as secretary of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal from 1993 to 1995.

Human rights commissioner (2008–2010)

Leila de Lima was appointed as the Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, serving from 2008 to 2010. Her two-year term was marked by high-profile cases such as the Davao Death Squad,{{cite news|date=March 9, 2017|title=De Lima: 2009 DDS probe failed because Davao folk sided with 'ruthless King'|publisher=ABS-CBN Corporation|work=ABS-CBN News|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/09/17/de-lima-2009-dds-probe-failed-because-davao-folk-sided-with-ruthless-king|access-date=July 15, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508132912/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/09/17/de-lima-2009-dds-probe-failed-because-davao-folk-sided-with-ruthless-king|url-status=live}} human rights cases against general Jovito Palparan, and the Maguindanao massacre in 2009.

Secretary of Justice (2010–2015)

In 2010, President Benigno Aquino III offered her the position of Justice secretary, for which she accepted. Her first high-profile case was the Manila hostage crisis, where eight Hong Kong nationals were killed.

During the 2015 Iglesia ni Cristo leadership controversy and its subsequent protests, de Lima was criticized for meddling in the internal affairs of the denomination.{{Cite web |last=Gonzales |first=Yuji Vincent |date=August 29, 2015|title=From 'hustisya' to 'hostess siya': Iglesia ni Cristo protesters ridicule De Lima |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/717316/from-hustisya-to-hostess-siya-inc-protesters-ridicule-de-lima|access-date=February 15, 2021 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en |archive-date=May 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531205925/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/717316/from-hustisya-to-hostess-siya-inc-protesters-ridicule-de-lima |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Gamil |first1=Jaymee |last2=Yee |first2=Jovic |last3=Quismundo |first3=Tarra |date=August 29, 2015 |title=Iglesia Ni Cristo protesters occupy Edsa |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/717307/iglesia-ni-cristo-protesters-occupy-edsa#ixzz3kJgaPsoH |access-date=August 30, 2015 |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226162526/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/717307/iglesia-ni-cristo-protesters-occupy-edsa#ixzz3kJgaPsoH |url-status=live}}

Senator (2016–2022)

= Elections =

De Lima ran as a senatorial candidate for the 2016 general elections under the Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid ({{Literal translation|Coalition of the Straight Road}}) of the Liberal Party. She finished 12th, after amassing more than 14 million votes.

In 2022, de Lima ran for reelection as senator under the Liberal Party, but lost after placing in 23rd position.{{cite news |last1=Fernandez |first1=Daniza |date=September 29, 2021 |title=De Lima accepts Liberal Party's nomination as senator in 2022 polls |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1494704/de-lima-accepts-liberal-partys-nomination-as-senator-in-2022-polls |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604040917/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1494704/de-lima-accepts-liberal-partys-nomination-as-senator-in-2022-polls |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |access-date=May 24, 2022 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Galvez |first1=Daphne |date=May 10, 2022 |title=De Lima accepts defeat in 2022 senatorial polls: I don't have any regrets |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1595830/de-lima-accepts-defeat-in-2022-senatorial-polls-i-dont-have-any-regrets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705220847/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1595830/de-lima-accepts-defeat-in-2022-senatorial-polls-i-dont-have-any-regrets |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=May 24, 2022 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}

= Tenure =

De Lima condemned the Philippine Drug War and urged Congress to investigate.{{cite web|title=Duterte crime war 'out of control': Philippine critics|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/duterte-crime-war-out-of/2941446.html|access-date=July 9, 2016|archive-date=October 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018215013/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/duterte-crime-war-out-of/2941446.html|url-status=dead}} She called for an end to vigilante killings of drug suspects. On her privilege speech at the Senate on August 2, she noted that "we cannot wage the war against drugs with blood..."{{cite news|date=August 3, 2016|title=Stop the killings–Leila|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/802339/stop-the-killings-leila|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=March 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303120621/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/802339/stop-the-killings-leila|url-status=live}} De Lima lamented the indifference of President Rodrigo Duterte's government to extrajudicial killings and warned that more innocent people will suffer if the killings fail to stop.{{cite news|date=August 2, 2016|title=De Lima: Stop the killings now|work=ABS-CBN News|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/02/16/de-lima-stop-the-killings-now|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511233835/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/02/16/de-lima-stop-the-killings-now|url-status=live}}

De Lima chaired the Philippine Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. On August 22, 2016, she opened a Senate inquiry on extrajudicial killings and police operations under the Philippine Drug War.{{Cite news |last= |date=2023-11-14 |title=Timeline: The ordeal of Leila de Lima |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1859273/timeline-the-ordeal-of-leila-de-lima |access-date=2024-10-20 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}

Imprisonment and trial (2017–2024)

=Allegations=

On August 17, 2016, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte alleged that de Lima was having an affair with her driver, Ronnie Dayan, who Duterte also alleged functioned as de Lima's collector for drug protection money when she was Justice secretary.{{cite web|title=De Lima called 'mother of all drug lords'|date=October 14, 2016|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/825177/de-lima-called-mother-of-all-drug-lords|access-date=November 30, 2016|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|archive-date=January 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108183307/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/825177/de-lima-called-mother-of-all-drug-lords|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=De Lima, 7 others charged with drug trafficking|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/11/16/de-lima-7-others-charged-with-drug-trafficking|access-date=November 30, 2016|work=ABS-CBN News|archive-date=December 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201013228/http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/11/16/de-lima-7-others-charged-with-drug-trafficking|url-status=live}} Duterte also alleged that Dayan had been using drugs.{{cite news|date=August 18, 2016|title=Duterte tells De Lima: I have witnesses against you |agency=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/807597/duterte-tells-de-lima-i-have-witnesses-against-you|access-date=August 22, 2016|archive-date=August 18, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160818125518/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/807597/duterte-tells-de-lima-i-have-witnesses-against-you|url-status=live}} Duterte later claimed that he had in his possession wiretaps and ATM records which confirmed his allegations which he had received from an unnamed foreign country.{{cite news|title=Love affair led to corruption|agency=The Manila Times|issue=August 21, 2016|url=http://www.manilatimes.net/love-affair-led-to-corruption/281280/|access-date=August 22, 2016|archive-date=August 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822184417/http://www.manilatimes.net/love-affair-led-to-corruption/281280/|url-status=live}} In September 2016, de Lima was removed as chair of the Senate Justice and Human Rights committee investigating extrajudicial killings.{{cite news|date=September 19, 2016|title=Senate ousts De Lima as justice committee chairperson|work=Rappler|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/146689-senate-ousts-leila-de-lima-justice-committee|access-date=October 9, 2016|archive-date=October 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008094454/http://www.rappler.com/nation/146689-senate-ousts-leila-de-lima-justice-committee|url-status=live}} She later admitted that she had a relationship with Dayan many years ago. Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre called on convicted drug lords, former prison officials and police officers as prime witnesses against de Lima in a congressional probe on illegal drug trafficking in the New Bilibid Prison.{{Cite news|last=Calayag|first=Keith A.|date=September 20, 2016|title=Ex-BuCor exec admits delivering 'drug money' to De Lima|language=en|work=SunStar|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2016/09/20/ex-bucor-exec-admits-delivering-drug-money-de-lima-498787|access-date=March 13, 2018|archive-date=March 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313094806/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2016/09/20/ex-bucor-exec-admits-delivering-drug-money-de-lima-498787|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Colanggo: I gave De Lima 'payola'|language=en|work=Rappler|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/146759-colangco-de-lima-payola-drugs|access-date=March 13, 2018|archive-date=March 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313153744/https://www.rappler.com/nation/146759-colangco-de-lima-payola-drugs|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Magalong: BuCor chief was against drug raid in Bilibid during De Lima's term|language=en-US|work=GMA News Online|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/582218/magalong-bucor-chief-was-against-drug-raid-in-bilibid-during-de-lima-s-term/story/|access-date=March 13, 2018|archive-date=March 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313094008/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/582218/magalong-bucor-chief-was-against-drug-raid-in-bilibid-during-de-lima-s-term/story/|url-status=live}} Dayan went into hiding after being advised by de Lima to not attend the House probe, but was captured days later.{{Cite news|title=Dayan: De Lima urged me to skip probe, hide|language=en|work=cnn|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/11/24/Dayan-affidavit-De-Lima.html|access-date=March 13, 2018|archive-date=March 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314064242/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/11/24/Dayan-affidavit-De-Lima.html|url-status=dead}}

Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa corroborated allegations that de Lima benefited from the illegal drug activities of his son Kerwin in Eastern Visayas.{{Cite web|title=Espinosa affidavit: Kerwin met De Lima in Baguio City in March|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/587863/news/nation/espinosa-affidavit-kerwin-met-de-lima-in-baguio-city-in-march/|access-date=June 22, 2020|website=GMA News Online|date=November 7, 2016 |language=en-US}} Included in the Mayor's affidavit is a picture of de Lima with Kerwin Espinosa in Baguio City.{{Cite web|title=De Lima on alleged pic with Kerwin Espinosa: I don't remember this|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/579504/news/nation/de-lima-on-alleged-pic-with-kerwin-espinosa-i-don-t-remember-this/|access-date=June 22, 2020|website=GMA News Online|date=August 30, 2016 |language=en-US|archive-date=September 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916072441/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/579504/news/nation/de-lima-on-alleged-pic-with-kerwin-espinosa-i-don-t-remember-this|url-status=live}} Kerwin Espinosa later testified that he gave her a total of {{Philippine peso|8 million|link=yes}} to help finance her senatorial campaign in 2016.{{Cite web|title=I gave P8 M to De Lima – Kerwin|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2016/11/24/i-gave-p8-m-to-de-lima-kerwin|access-date=June 22, 2020|website=Manila Bulletin News|date=November 24, 2016 |language=en-US|archive-date=November 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126105136/http://news.mb.com.ph/2016/11/24/i-gave-p8-m-to-de-lima-kerwin/|url-status=live}}

On July 19, 2019, the PNP–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed charges against de Lima and other members of the opposition for "sedition, cyber libel, libel, estafa, harboring a criminal, and obstruction of justice".{{cite news |title=Robredo, ilang taga-oposisyon kinasuhan ng PNP-CIDG ukol sa 'Bikoy' videos |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/07/19/19/robredo-ilang-taga-oposisyon-kinasuhan-ng-pnp-cidg-ukol-sa-bikoy-videos |work=ABS-CBN News |language=tl |access-date=October 10, 2019 |archive-date=January 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124132255/https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/07/19/19/robredo-ilang-taga-oposisyon-kinasuhan-ng-pnp-cidg-ukol-sa-bikoy-videos |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Sedition raps: Solons, bishop hit 'stupid' PNP |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1143908/sedition-raps-solons-bishop-hit-stupid-pnp |access-date=July 20, 2019 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720001213/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1143908/sedition-raps-solons-bishop-hit-stupid-pnp |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=De Lima: Raps over 'Bikoy' videos 'pure hogwash' |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/19/19/de-lima-raps-over-bikoy-videos-pure-hogwash |work=ABS-CBN News}} On February 10, 2020, she was cleared of all charges.{{cite web | url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/725455/doj-clears-robredo-indicts-trillanes-and-10-others-for-conspiracy-to-commit-sedition/story/ | title=DOJ clears Robredo, indicts Trillanes and 10 others for 'conspiracy to commit sedition' | publisher=GMA News | date=February 10, 2020 | access-date=February 10, 2020 | archive-date=February 11, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211141035/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/725455/doj-clears-robredo-indicts-trillanes-and-10-others-for-conspiracy-to-commit-sedition/story/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/251397-doj-resolution-conspiracy-commit-sedition-opposition | title=DOJ clears Robredo, charges Trillanes in sedition case | publisher=Rappler | date=February 10, 2020 | access-date=February 10, 2020 | archive-date=March 20, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320043245/https://www.rappler.com/nation/251397-doj-resolution-conspiracy-commit-sedition-opposition | url-status=live }}

==Retracted testimonies==

In late April 2022, Kerwin Espinosa recanted his statements on the case, and said that he was coerced by the police after his father was killed in jail.{{Cite news|title=Kerwin Espinosa recants drug trade accusations vs Sen. Leila de Lima|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1589548/kerwin-espinosa-backtracks-drug-trade-accusations-vs-sen-leila-de-lima/amp|access-date=May 7, 2022|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|language=en-US|archive-date=May 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507201222/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1589548/kerwin-espinosa-backtracks-drug-trade-accusations-vs-sen-leila-de-lima/amp|url-status=live}} The Department of Justice downplayed his recantation, saying it did not affect their case against de Lima, as he was not a witness.{{Cite web |last=Juan |first=Joel R. San |date=April 28, 2022 |title=Kerwin Espinosa recants drug-tie claim vs de Lima |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/04/28/kerwin-espinosa-recantsdrug-tie-claim-vs-de-lima/ |access-date=May 18, 2022 |website=BusinessMirror |language=en-US |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520160308/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/04/28/kerwin-espinosa-recantsdrug-tie-claim-vs-de-lima/ |url-status=live }}

In early May 2022, Rafael Ragos, former Bureau of Corrections director general and another witness in de Lima's drug case recanted his testimony. Ragos previously testified that de Lima accepted {{Philippine peso|5 million}} from him via drug lord Peter Co, while she was Secretary of Justice, and that it was later used to fund her senatorial campaign in 2016.{{Cite news |date=May 2, 2022 |title=Another witness retracts drug charges vs De Lima |work=BusinessWorld |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/05/02/445924/another-witness-retracts-drug-charges-vs-de-lima/ |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518173922/https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/05/02/445924/another-witness-retracts-drug-charges-vs-de-lima/ |url-status=live }} Ragos alleged that Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II coerced him to lie to implicate de Lima. Aguirre denied the accusation.{{Cite web |last=Buan |first=Lian |date=2023-10-16 |title=2 more witnesses recant in De Lima's last case |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/more-witnesses-recant-leila-de-lima-last-case/ |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}}

Co-accused Ronnie Dayan also recanted his testimony in May 2022. Dayan alleged that Representative Reynaldo Umali had coerced him to lie in his 2016 testimony in Congress.{{Cite web |last=Buan |first=Lian |date=2022-05-13 |title=Ronnie Dayan latest to recant in De Lima case |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/ronnie-dayan-recants-de-lima-case-may-2022/ |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}}

In October 2023, former police officers PMaj. Rodolfo Magleo and PSgt. Nonilo Arile retracted their testimonies against de Lima.{{Cite web |last=Cabanban |first=Seth |date=October 16, 2023 |title='Mistrial of the century': Two more witnesses in De Lima's last drug case recant |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/10/16/two-more-witnesses-recant-de-lima-last-case.html |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=October 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016135518/http://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/10/16/two-more-witnesses-recant-de-lima-last-case.html |url-status=dead }}

= Detention and legal proceedings =

File:Leila De Lima warrant arrest.jpg. February 24, 2017.]]

On February 17, 2017, a court pressed drug-related charges against de Lima.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39005919|title=Philippines: Duterte critic Leila de Lima faces drugs charges|work=BBC News|date=February 17, 2017|access-date=July 20, 2018|archive-date=January 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119022808/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39005919|url-status=live}} On February 23, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant against de Lima for allegedly violating the drug trafficking law.{{cite news|last1=Reformina|first1=Ina|title=De Lima ordered arrested by RTC|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/23/17/de-lima-ordered-arrested-by-rtc|access-date=February 23, 2017|work=ABS-CBN News|date=February 23, 2017|archive-date=February 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223212357/http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/23/17/de-lima-ordered-arrested-by-rtc|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Leila de Lima, Critic of Duterte, Is Ordered Held by Court|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/23/world/asia/arrest-duterte-leila-de-lima.html|access-date=February 23, 2017|work=The New York Times|date=February 23, 2017|archive-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224024212/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/23/world/asia/arrest-duterte-leila-de-lima.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=February 24, 2017 |title=Senator Leila de Lima arrested |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/leila-de-lima-surrender-drug-charges |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021203549/http://www.rappler.com/nation/leila-de-lima-surrender-drug-charges |archive-date=October 21, 2021 |access-date=February 15, 2021 |website=Rappler |language=en}} De Lima faced drug related cases for allegedly using her position as Secretary of Justice to acquire money from drug pushers to make their drug business operational even though they were imprisoned. De Lima turned herself in the following morning of February 24, 2017. She was referred to as a 'prisoner of conscience' by numerous international human rights organizations.{{cite news|title=Sen. Leila De Lima arrested over drug charges|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/02/24/leila-de-lima-arrested-over-drug-charges.html|access-date=February 24, 2017|publisher=CNN Philippines|date=February 24, 2017|archive-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224115006/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/02/24/leila-de-lima-arrested-over-drug-charges.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Leila de Lima|author=Power, Samantha|url=https://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736274/leila-de-lima/|access-date=February 24, 2017|publisher=TIME|date=March 2017|archive-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420211342/http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736274/leila-de-lima/|url-status=live}}

On February 5, 2018, the Ombudsman of the Philippines cleared de Lima from all charges of financial terrorism and violation of the anti-graft law.{{cite web|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/05/ombudsman-clears-de-lima-of-charges-of-financial-terrorism-violation-of-anti-graft-law/|title=Ombudsman clears De Lima of charges of financial terrorism, violation of anti-graft law|work=Manila Bulletin News |access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051206/https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/05/ombudsman-clears-de-lima-of-charges-of-financial-terrorism-violation-of-anti-graft-law/|url-status=live}} On February 20, during the World Day of Social Justice, all ethics complaints filed against de Lima were thrown out by the Philippine Senate.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/196451-senate-junks-ethics-complaints-senators-de-lima-trillanes|title=Senate panel junks ethics complaints vs De Lima, Lacson, Trillanes|date=February 20, 2018|access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223055739/https://www.rappler.com/nation/196451-senate-junks-ethics-complaints-senators-de-lima-trillanes|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/02/20/Ethics-complaint-vs.-De-Lima-junked.html|title=Senate panel junks ethics complaints vs. De Lima|access-date=February 20, 2018|archive-date=February 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222091825/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/02/20/Ethics-complaint-vs.-De-Lima-junked.html|url-status=dead}}

On March 3, 2018, de Lima sought the approval of the court to let her attend the impending impeachment trial against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/197337-de-lima-court-motion-sereno-impeachment-trial|title=De Lima to seek court OK to attend Sereno impeachment trial|date=March 3, 2018|access-date=March 3, 2018|archive-date=March 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164750/https://www.rappler.com/nation/197337-de-lima-court-motion-sereno-impeachment-trial|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/03/18/de-lima-wants-to-participate-if-sereno-impeach-case-goes-to-trial|title=De Lima wants to participate if Sereno impeach case goes to trial|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=March 3, 2018|archive-date=March 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303143801/http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/03/18/de-lima-wants-to-participate-if-sereno-impeach-case-goes-to-trial|url-status=live}} On March 10, a court approved de Lima's medical furlough due to problems in her liver.{{cite web|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/03/10/Court-grants-De-Lima-one-day-medical-furlough.html|title=Court allows De Lima to leave jail for one-day medical check-up|access-date=March 10, 2018|archive-date=March 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311021745/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/03/10/Court-grants-De-Lima-one-day-medical-furlough.html|url-status=dead}} On March 13, the self-confessed drug lords were freed by the government due to 'lack of evidence'.{{cite web|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2018/03/13/prosecutors-no-basis-bring-peter-lim-kerwin-espinosa-trial-593324|title=Prosecutors: No basis to bring Peter Lim, Kerwin Espinosa to trial|website=SunStar|date=March 13, 2018|access-date=March 13, 2018|archive-date=March 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313034629/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2018/03/13/prosecutors-no-basis-bring-peter-lim-kerwin-espinosa-trial-593324|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/13/18/dropping-of-raps-vs-peter-lim-et-al-a-slight-bump-in-war-on-drugs-doj|title=Dropping of raps vs Peter Lim, et al 'a slight bump' in war on drugs: DOJ|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=March 13, 2018|archive-date=March 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313052351/http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/13/18/dropping-of-raps-vs-peter-lim-et-al-a-slight-bump-in-war-on-drugs-doj|url-status=live}} On April 5, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who initiated de Lima's imprisonment, resigned after evidences on corruption surfaced to media attention, along with his acquittal of the self-confessed drug lords.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/199465-duterte-accepts-resignation-vitaliano-aguirre|title=Duterte accepts resignation of Aguirre|date=April 5, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142831/https://www.rappler.com/nation/199465-duterte-accepts-resignation-vitaliano-aguirre|url-status=live}}

On May 28, 2018, the Muntinlupa court denied de Lima's plea to attend the law graduation of her youngest son, Vincent.{{cite web |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/05/28/1819461/court-denies-de-lima-plea-attend-sons-graduation |title=Court denies De Lima plea to attend son's graduation |publisher=Philstar.com |access-date=November 23, 2018 |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227193153/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/05/28/1819461/court-denies-de-lima-plea-attend-sons-graduation |url-status=live }} The court stated that de Lima 'cannot be given a different treatment as that of other prisoners'.{{cite web|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/05/28/muntinlupa-court-leila-de-lima-furlough-graduation-denied.html|title=Muntinlupa court denies De Lima's request to attend son's graduation|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-date=June 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603092305/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/05/28/muntinlupa-court-leila-de-lima-furlough-graduation-denied.html|url-status=dead}} On May 30, de Lima filed a motion to reconsider her plea to attend her son's graduation, citing convicted plunderer and ex-senator Jinggoy Estrada, who was allowed by the Sandiganbayan to attend his son's graduation in 2015.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/995813/de-lima-asks-court-to-reconsider-her-plea-to-attend-sons-graduation|title=De Lima asks court to reconsider her plea to attend son's graduation|first=Anthony Q.|last=Esguerra|date=May 30, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-date=September 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919204833/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/995813/de-lima-asks-court-to-reconsider-her-plea-to-attend-sons-graduation|url-status=live}} Hours before her son's graduation on June 3, Presiding Judge Amelia Fabros-Corpuz of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 rejected de Lima's motion for reconsideration in attending to her son's law graduation.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/204015-de-lima-message-son-law-school-graduation-san-beda|title=De Lima cries, writes emotional message on son's graduation|date=June 3, 2018|access-date=June 4, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144010/https://www.rappler.com/nation/204015-de-lima-message-son-law-school-graduation-san-beda|url-status=live}}

On October 29, 2018, De Lima filed with Ombudsman Samuel Martires complaints against Vitaliano Aguirre II and Menardo Guevarra for violation of section 10(f) of RA 6981, the "Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act." The Ombudsman, however, in 2019 and 2020, dismissed the complaints which were reversed - "This case is remanded to the Office of the Ombudsman for appropriate action," Justice Raymond Reynold Lauigan, CA Special 17th Division ruled in a decision dated November 21, 2023. Accordingly, De Lima pleaded for the investigation of her cases.{{cite news |last1=Navallo |first1=Mike |title=CA orders Ombudsman to act on De Lima's complaints vs Aguirre, Guevarra|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/9/experts-share-tips-to-beat-the-heat-in-indoor-areas-1736 |accessdate=May 9, 2024 |publisher=ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs |date=November 25, 2023}}

On June 6, the Supreme Court of the Philippines upheld the 'constitutionality' of de Lima's arrest based on drug charges filed by Aguirre, blasting calls from international human rights organizations.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/204269-supreme-court-affirms-arrest-leila-de-lima-illegal-drugs-charges|title=Supreme Court affirms De Lima's arrest on drug charges|date=June 6, 2018|access-date=June 7, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612151052/https://www.rappler.com/nation/204269-supreme-court-affirms-arrest-leila-de-lima-illegal-drugs-charges|url-status=live}} The court added that 'no further pleadings will be entertained', effectively blocking all remedies for release.{{cite web |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/06/06/1822150/its-final-sc-upholds-constitutionality-de-limas-arrest |title=It's final: SC upholds constitutionality of De Lima's arrest |publisher=Philstar.com |access-date=November 23, 2018 |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227193150/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/06/06/1822150/its-final-sc-upholds-constitutionality-de-limas-arrest |url-status=live }} On August 6, the Supreme Court denied de Lima's plea to allow her to join the Senate debates regarding Duterte's initiative to withdraw the Philippines from the International Criminal Court.{{cite web|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/07/18/sc-wont-allow-de-lima-to-join-debates-on-icc-withdrawal-case|title=SC won't allow De Lima to join debates on ICC withdrawal case|work=ABS-CBN|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828001822/http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/07/18/sc-wont-allow-de-lima-to-join-debates-on-icc-withdrawal-case|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/209002-sc-decision-de-lima-motion-join-international-criminal-court-oral-arguments|title=SC denies De Lima request to join ICC oral arguments|date=August 7, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035713/https://www.rappler.com/nation/209002-sc-decision-de-lima-motion-join-international-criminal-court-oral-arguments|url-status=live}} On August 10, 18 months after her imprisonment, de Lima was finally arraigned in the drug cases established by the Department of Justice.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/209256-de-lima-arraigned-after-18-months-since-arrest|title=18 months after arrest, De Lima finally arraigned in drugs cases|date=August 10, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035659/https://www.rappler.com/nation/209256-de-lima-arraigned-after-18-months-since-arrest|url-status=live}}

On August 3, Ronnie Dayan formally refused to testify against her alleged 'disobedience case'.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1017264/driver-lover-refuses-to-testify-against-de-lima|title=Driver-lover refuses to testify against De Lima|first=Jodee A.|last=Agoncillo|date=August 3, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828071000/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1017264/driver-lover-refuses-to-testify-against-de-lima|url-status=live}}

On October 8, 2022, de Lima survived an attempted hostage taking inside Camp Crame after detainees said to be linked with the Abu Sayyaf Group stabbed a police officer. Police reported that de Lima was safe and that the officer was hospitalized.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/leila-de-lima-survives-hostage-taking-camp-crame-october-2022|title=Leila de Lima survives hostage-taking in Camp Crame jail|date=October 9, 2022|access-date=October 12, 2022|archive-date=October 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010121244/https://www.rappler.com/nation/leila-de-lima-survives-hostage-taking-camp-crame-october-2022/|url-status=live}}

= Recognition and calls for release =

On March 16, 2017, the European Parliament condemned the wave of killings in the Philippines and called for de Lima's release.{{cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/03/16/1681957/european-parliament-condemns-ejks-calls-de-lima-release|title=European Parliament condemns EJKs and calls for de Lima release|work=The Philippine Star|date=March 16, 2017|access-date=March 17, 2017|archive-date=March 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317033416/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/03/16/1681957/european-parliament-condemns-ejks-calls-de-lima-release|url-status=live}} It expressed "serious concerns that the offences Senator de Lima has been charged with are almost entirely fabricated".{{cite news|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=P8-RC-2017-0193&format=XML&language=EN|title=JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION by the European Parliament|work=European Parliament|date=March 16, 2017|access-date=March 17, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143402/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=P8-RC-2017-0193&format=XML&language=EN|url-status=live}} Amnesty International regards de Lima as a "prisoner of conscience".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/24/philippines-senator-leila-de-lima-president-duterte-serial-killer-faces-arrest|title=Philippines senator who branded President Duterte 'serial killer' arrested|work=The Guardian|date=February 24, 2017|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135928/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/24/philippines-senator-leila-de-lima-president-duterte-serial-killer-faces-arrest|url-status=live}} Despite her imprisonment, de Lima continued to oppose the policies of Duterte and remained a member of the Philippine Senate and the Liberal Party.{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-philippines-delima-20170326-story.html|title=A Philippine senator defies her president — from behind bars|work=The Los Angeles Times|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=July 15, 2017|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028025015/https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-philippines-delima-20170326-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/24/world/asia/philippines-duterte-de-lima.html|title=Living in Fear, Duterte's Chief Critic Speaks Out From Philippine Jail|work=The New York Times|date=March 24, 2017|access-date=July 15, 2017|archive-date=October 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007091217/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/24/world/asia/philippines-duterte-de-lima.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/philippine-president-duterte-critic-leila-de-lima/|title=Defying Duterte|work=Vice News|date=March 3, 2017|access-date=July 15, 2017|archive-date=August 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829203157/https://news.vice.com/story/philippine-president-duterte-critic-leila-de-lima|url-status=live}}

On March 29, 2018, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) called for de Lima's release due to the insufficiency of evidence filed against her.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/648264/de-lima-named-as-among-southeast-asia-s-women-to-watch/story/|title=De Lima named as among Southeast Asia's Women to Watch|date=March 29, 2018 |access-date=April 3, 2018|archive-date=March 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329184621/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/648264/de-lima-named-as-among-southeast-asia-s-women-to-watch/story/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/03/29/leila-de-lima-inter-parliamentary-union-salvador-panelo.html|title=Int'l legislators: Free De Lima unless strong evidence is 'rapidly forthcoming'|access-date=April 3, 2018|archive-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403084644/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/03/29/leila-de-lima-inter-parliamentary-union-salvador-panelo.html|url-status=dead}}

In late July 2017, de Lima was visited by members of the European Parliament and the Liberal International.{{cite news|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/619006/police-bar-liberal-international-president-from-visiting-de-lima/story/|title=Police bar Liberal International president from visiting de Lima|work=GMA Network|date=July 21, 2017|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=July 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722055514/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/619006/police-bar-liberal-international-president-from-visiting-de-lima/story/|url-status=live}} In September, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) demanded de Lima's immediate release and the restoration of human rights in the Philippines.{{cite web |access-date=March 21, 2018 |title= Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Statement on Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) Women's Caucus Visit |url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2017/0901_delima2.asp|website=senate.gov.ph |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223171235/http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2017/0901_delima2.asp|url-status=live}} In the same month, de Lima's ally in the Senate, Risa Hontiveros, caught justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II drafting fabricated charges against her through text messages during a hearing on the deaths of minors caused by the Philippine Drug War. The same tactic was used by him against de Lima, which led to her arrest.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/181806-hontiveros-aguirre-text-expedite-cases|title=LOOK: Aguirre caught texting to 'expedite' cases vs Hontiveros|date=September 11, 2017|access-date=December 17, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912145109/https://www.rappler.com/nation/181806-hontiveros-aguirre-text-expedite-cases|url-status=live}} In November 2017, de Lima was awarded the Prize for Freedom by Liberal International, becoming the second Filipino to receive the prestigious award after Corazon Aquino. She formally accepted the prize in absentia on July 28, 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/662210/leila-de-lima-accepts-prize-for-freedom-award-in-absentia/story/|title=Leila de Lima accepts 'Prize for Freedom' award in absentia|date=July 29, 2018 |access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828001819/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/662210/leila-de-lima-accepts-prize-for-freedom-award-in-absentia/story/|url-status=live}} On December 5, 2017, she was again awarded with the Leading Global Thinker award by Foreign Policy for the second consecutive year.{{cite web|url=http://beta.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/19/1769920/de-lima-warns-against-chinese-entry-local-telco-industry|title=De Lima warns against Chinese entry into local telco industry |website=philstar.com|access-date=January 5, 2018|archive-date=January 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105233717/http://beta.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/19/1769920/de-lima-warns-against-chinese-entry-local-telco-industry|url-status=live}}

On February 1, 2018, de Lima topped Asian Correspondent's list of five prominent Southeast Asian leaders and human rights defenders who are facing charges for defying the norm.{{cite web|url=http://senate.gov.ph/press_release/2018/0201_delima1.asp|title= De Lima tops list of 5 political prisoners in Southeast Asia|website=senate.gov.ph|access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201050416/http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2018/0201_delima1.asp|url-status=live}} On February 3, de Lima was dubbed as the "conscience of our time" by an independent news agency.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/195065-newspoint-the-conscience-of-our-time|title=[OPINION - Newspoint] The conscience of our time|date=February 3, 2018|access-date=March 3, 2018|archive-date=February 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219091802/https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/195065-newspoint-the-conscience-of-our-time|url-status=live}} On February 20, the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) called for de Lima's immediate and unconditional release and cited her 'heroism'{{cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2018/0221_delima1.asp |title=Press Release - Southeast Asian lawmaker cites De Lima's heroism, renews call for her immediate release |website=senate.gov.ph |access-date=February 22, 2018 |archive-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223050834/http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2018/0221_delima1.asp|url-status=live}} against corruption and autocracy.{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/national/southeast-asian-lawmakers-group-calls-for-de-lima-release/ar-BBJkz2O?li=BBr8Mkh |title=Southeast Asian lawmakers' group calls for de Lima release |website=msn.com |access-date=February 22, 2018 |archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223051311/https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/national/southeast-asian-lawmakers-group-calls-for-de-lima-release/ar-BBJkz2O?li=BBr8Mkh|url-status=live}} It was followed by the Senate minority bloc, liberal members of the House of Representatives, and Amnesty International pushing anew for her release.{{cite web|url=https://beta.philstar.com/headlines/2018/02/22/1790309/almost-year-after-detention-senate-minority-pushes-anew-de-limas-release|title=Almost a year after detention, Senate minority pushes anew for De Lima's release|website=philstar.com}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/196703-amnesty-international-release-leila-de-lima|title=Amnesty Int'l urges PH gov't to release De Lima|date=February 23, 2018|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223061730/https://www.rappler.com/nation/196703-amnesty-international-release-leila-de-lima|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/970817/lagman-calls-for-de-limas-immediate-release|title=Lagman joins call for De Lima's immediate release|first=Julliane Love |last=De Jesus|date=February 23, 2018|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223074701/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/970817/lagman-calls-for-de-limas-immediate-release|url-status=live}} On April 20, de Lima was named by Fortune Magazine as one of the 'World's 50 Greatest Leaders' for 2018.[https://www.philstar.com/happens/343]{{dead link|date=November 2018}} On May 29, Amnesty International conferred to de Lima its first ever Most Distinguished Human Rights Defender award during the Ignite Awards for Human Rights.{{cite web|last=Lalu|first=Gabriel Pabico|title=AI confers De Lima 'most distinguished human rights defender' award|date=May 29, 2018|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/995252/ai-confers-de-lima-most-distinguished-human-rights-defender-award|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-date=May 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529083340/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/995252/ai-confers-de-lima-most-distinguished-human-rights-defender-award|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=De Lima named most distinguished human rights defender by Amnesty International PHL|date=May 29, 2018 |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/654975/de-lima-named-most-distinguished-human-rights-defender-by-amnesty-international-phl/story/|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-date=May 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529160319/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/654975/de-lima-named-most-distinguished-human-rights-defender-by-amnesty-international-phl/story/|url-status=live}} She was also declared one of the world's “Women Human Rights Defenders Under Threat”.{{cite web|url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/171249/de-lima-hailed-at-2nd-human-rights-defenders-world-summit-in-paris|title=De Lima hailed at 2nd Human Rights Defenders World Summit in Paris|first=Pathricia Ann |last=Roxas|date=November 16, 2018|access-date=November 23, 2018|archive-date=November 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118185419/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/171249/de-lima-hailed-at-2nd-human-rights-defenders-world-summit-in-paris|url-status=live}} On de Lima's birthday on August 27, Amnesty International called for the dropping of charges again, adding that she is a 'prisoner of conscience'.{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa35/8997/2018/en |title=Document |website=amnesty.org |date=August 26, 2018 |access-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-date=August 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828001739/https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa35/8997/2018/en/ |url-status=live }} Opposition lawmakers also called for her release.{{cite web|url=http://politics.com.ph/solid-pa-rin-opposition-lawmakers-assure-de-lima-of-support-on-59th-birthday/|title=Solid pa rin! Opposition lawmakers assure De Lima of support on 59th birthday|date=August 27, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On June 5, 2020, Amnesty International called on Philippine authorities to unconditionally release de Lima. It also called for them to end unreasonable restrictions imposed on her; permit communication with her family, lawyers, staff and doctors; and allow her to undertake her role as an elected legislator and a human rights defender.{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa35/2483/2020/en/|title=Philippines: Human Rights Defender in Punitive Detention Should be Released|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=Amnesty International|date=June 4, 2020 |archive-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606193814/https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa35/2483/2020/en/|url-status=live}}

= Statements from detention =

Since October 2017, de Lima released numerous statements while in prison condemning the death toll of the Philippine Drug War which by then had killed 14,000 people, mostly minors.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/187029-leila-de-lima-award-liberal-international-human-rights|title=De Lima gets highest human rights award from Liberal International|date=November 2017|access-date=November 2, 2017|archive-date=November 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101071308/https://www.rappler.com/nation/187029-leila-de-lima-award-liberal-international-human-rights|url-status=live}}

In her 94th letter while in prison on May 29, 2018, de Lima stated "People choose to be passive, perhaps because they feel responsible for voting for him—but no. You are not responsible for what he does after you vote for him. You are, however, responsible for letting him get away with things like this with your silence. By electing him, he has not bought your souls and conscience—on the contrary, he now owes you his accountability."{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatches_from_crame_1|title=Dispatches from Crame I|date=February 23, 2018 |access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024135331/https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatches_from_crame_1|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.theguidon.com/1112/main/2018/02/dispatch-crame-year-lens/|title=Dispatch from Crame: A year through her lens|date=February 24, 2018|access-date=July 9, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710013652/http://www.theguidon.com/1112/main/2018/02/dispatch-crame-year-lens/|url-status=live}}

=Court decisions=

{{Infobox Philippines court case

|name = People of the Philippines v. De Lima, et al.

|court = RTC

|branch = 204 (17-165)
205 (17-166)
206 (17-167)

|RTCcity = Muntinlupa

|full name = People of the Philippines v. Leila M. De Lima and Ronnie Paloc Dayan (17-165)
People of the Philippines v. Leila De Lima y Magistrado and Jose Adrian Tiamson Dera aka "Jad de Vera" and "Jad" (17-166)
People of the Philippines v. Leila M. De Lima, Franklin Jesus B. Bucayu, Wilfredo G. Elli, Jaybee Niño Manicad Sebastian, Ronnie Paloc Dayan, Joenel Tan Sanchez and Jose Adrian Tamson Dera (17-167)

|full name collapse = y

|date decided = {{start date|2023|05|17}} (17-165)
{{start date|2021|02|17}} (17-166)
{{start date|2024|06|24}} (17-167)

|citations = Criminal Case Nos. 17-165, 17-166 and 17-167

|transcripts =

|number of judges = 3

|decision by = Abraham Joseph Alcantara (17-165)
Liezel Aquiatan (17-166)
Gener Gito (17-167)

|italic title = no

}}

On January 5, 2022, the Ombudsman dismissed bribery complaints filed in 2018 against de Lima and Ronnie Dayan, citing lack of probable cause to indict the two, in connection with accusations that de Lima received a total of {{Philippine peso|8 million}} from Kerwin Espinosa, allegedly through Dayan, on four separate occasions in 2015–2016. The ruling was only made public in August.{{cite news |last=Bolledo |first=Jairo |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/ombudsman-junks-bribery-complaints-vs-leila-de-lima-ex-bodyguard/ |title=In latest win, Ombudsman junks bribery complaints vs De Lima, ex-bodyguard |work=Rappler |date=August 9, 2022 |access-date=August 9, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Navallo |first=Mike |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/09/22/ombudsman-junks-bribery-raps-vs-de-lima-ronnie-dayan |title=Ombudsman junks bribery raps vs De Lima, Ronnie Dayan |work=ABS-CBN News |date=August 9, 2022 |access-date=August 9, 2022}}

On May 27, 2022, Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 dismissed the petition to cite de Lima and her legal counsel, Filibon Tacardon, in indirect contempt over their statements on the testimonies of prosecution witnesses, citing lack of merit and rendering other pending incidents as moot and academic.{{cite news |last=Casilao |first=Joahna Lei |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/833041/muntinlupa-rtc-junks-contempt-case-vs-de-lima-counsel/story/ |title=Muntinlupa RTC junks contempt case vs. De Lima, counsel |work=GMA News |date=May 27, 2022 |access-date=June 2, 2022}}

=Release on bail and acquittal=

On November 13, 2023, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 206 Judge Gener Gito granted de Lima's petition for bail on her remaining drug charge, guaranteeing her release after six years in detention.{{cite news |last=Buan |first=Lian |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/muntinlupa-court-approves-bail-de-lima-freedom-november-2023/ |title=Leila de Lima gets bail, freedom soon |work=Rappler |date=November 13, 2023 |access-date=November 13, 2023}} She was released from Camp Crame that evening after paying a bond of {{Philippine peso|300,000}}.{{Cite web |last=Bolledo |first=Jairo |date=November 15, 2023 |title=EXPLAINER: Why court allowed Leila de Lima to post bail |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/explainers/why-court-allowed-leila-de-lima-post-bail-november-2023/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=Rappler}}

Following her release, de Lima held a press conference at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City, during which she stated that she forgave Duterte but was considering whether to file counter-complaints regarding the accusations against her.{{Cite web |last=Bolledo |first=Jairo |date=November 14, 2023 |title=De Lima on Duterte: 'God forgive him and God bless him' |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/de-lima-message-duterte-god-forgive-bless-him/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=Rappler}} After staying overnight in Quezon City, she then went on a pilgrimage to Manaoag, Pangasinan, the next day{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2023 |title=Why De Lima defied security advice, chose Manaoag as her first stop |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/why-leila-de-lima-defied-security-advice-visited-manaoag-shrine/ |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=Rappler}} and reunited with her family in Iriga on November 15.{{Cite web |last=Carretero |first=Jose |date=November 15, 2023 |title=De Lima reunites with family, supporters in Iriga City |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/15/23/de-lima-reunites-with-family-supporters-in-iriga-city |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=ABS-CBN}}

On June 24, 2024, Judge Gito granted de Lima's petition for demurrer to evidence on her third and last charge involving her alleged conspiracy in the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison, eventually dismissing the case and acquitting her from all criminal cases.{{Cite news |last=Bolledo |first=Jairo |date=June 24, 2024 |title=Leila de Lima cleared of all drug charges |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/muntinlupa-court-clears-leila-de-lima-all-drug-charges-june-2024/ |access-date=June 24, 2024 |work=Rappler}}{{cite news |last=Zurbano |first=Joel |title=De Lima cleared of all drug cases |url=https://manilastandard.net/news/314463320/de-lima-cleared-of-all-drug-cases.html |newspaper=Manila Standard |date=June 24, 2024 |access-date=June 24, 2024}}

On the same day, the Quezon City RTC Branch 76, granting her petition for certiorari against the Metropolitan Trial Court, dismissed two disobedience cases against her, which was filed for defying, along with Dayan, the House inquiry into the said drug trade. De Lima was reportedly detained for 2,321 days, longer than the penalty for disobedience—with the maximum of six months.{{cite news |last=Torres–Tupas |first=Tetch |title=QC court dismisses disobedience case vs De Lima |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1954469/qc-court-dismisses-disobedience-case-vs-de-lima |publisher=Inquirer.net |date=June 24, 2024 |access-date=June 25, 2024}}{{cite news |last=Buan |first=Lian |date=November 13, 2023 |title=Leila de Lima gets bail, freedom soon |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/muntinlupa-court-approves-bail-de-lima-freedom-november-2023/ |access-date=November 13, 2023 |work=Rappler}}

Post-imprisonment (since 2024)

On December 4, 2023, de Lima was designated as the official spokesperson of the Liberal Party (LP), having previously been its vice president for policy, platform, and advocacy.{{cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/leila-de-lima-designated-liberal-party-spokesperson-december-2023/ |title=Leila de Lima is designated Liberal Party spokesperson |work=Rappler |date=5 December 2023 |access-date=5 December 2023}} On December 13, she announced that she would serve as a professor of De La Salle University's Tañada-Diokno School of Law starting in January 2024, marking her return to teaching law.{{Cite tweet |author= The LaSallian |author-link=The LaSallian |user=TheLaSallian |number=1734897816546484268 |date=December 13, 2023 |title=JUST IN: Former Sen. Leila de Lima announces that she will serve as a professor under the Tañada-Diokno School of Law beginning the next academic term. |script-title= |trans-title= |language= |retweet= |location= |access-date=December 13, 2023 |link= |quote= |ref=}}

In early January 2025, as the United States House of Representatives prepares to vote on a bill sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing an arrest warrant to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, de Lima signed a letter alongside 27 other individuals requesting US congressmen to vote "no", arguing that the ICC's other investigations might be affected if sanctions are issued, such as the investigation into the Philippine drug war of former president Rodrigo Duterte.{{cite news|last=Buan|first=Lian|title=Filipino advocates support ICC in face of potential US sanctions|url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/filipino-human-rights-advocates-support-icc-potential-united-states-sanctions/|access-date=January 6, 2025|work=Rappler|publisher=Rappler Inc.|date=January 6, 2025}}

House of Representatives of the Philippines (from 2025)

= Election =

On September 20, 2024, de Lima accepted the lead nomination for the Mamamayang Liberal, the sectoral wing of the Liberal Party, for the 2025 Philippine House of Representatives elections, marking her return to national politics. Her co-nominees included former representatives Teddy Baguilat and Erin Tañada.{{cite news |last=Cupin |first=Bea |date=September 20, 2024 |title=Leila de Lima guns for House seat as Mamamayang Liberal nominee |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/leila-de-lima-guns-seat-house-representatives-mamamayang-liberal/ |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=Rappler}} Following the election on May 12, 2025, the party-list attained enough votes to secure a seat in the lower chamber, making de Lima a member-elect of the party-list for the 20th Congress.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-14 |title=How de Lima sees her possible return to Congress: Poetic justice, vindication |url=https://www.inquirer.net/443685/how-de-lima-sees-her-possible-return-to-congress-poetic-justice-vindication/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Inquirer.net |language=en}} On her election, de Lima affirmed that she will sit as a "fiscalizer" in an "independent opposition".{{Cite news |last=Gulla |first=Vivienne |date=2025-05-14 |title=ML party-list nominee De Lima vows to be 'independent opposition, 'fiscalizer' at House |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/14/ml-party-list-nominee-de-lima-vows-to-be-independent-opposition-fiscalizer-at-house-1651 |work=ABS-CBN News}} While she has expressed her openness to joining the majority bloc allied with President Bongbong Marcos, she stated that she would prefer joining a minority or an independent minority bloc.{{Cite web |last=Mendoza |first=Red |date=2025-05-28 |title=LP, allies in House consolidating |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/28/news/national/lp-allies-in-house-consolidating/2121822 |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=The Manila Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Chi |first=Cristina |title=De Lima: Joining House majority bloc 'on the table,' but... |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/05/27/2446186/de-lima-joining-house-majority-bloc-on-table-but |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=Philstar.com}}

= Tenure =

On May 14, 2025, House Speaker Martin Romualdez invited de Lima as well as fellow representative-elect Chel Diokno to serve in the prosecution panel in the impeachment of Sara Duterte.{{Cite web |last=Tolentino |first=Reina C. |date=2025-05-14 |title=De Lima, Diokno accept invitation to serve as House impeach prosecutors |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/14/news/de-lima-diokno-accept-invitation-to-serve-as-house-impeach-prosecutors/2113123 |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=The Manila Times |language=en}} The invitation was seconded by Representatives Joel Chua (Manila–3rd) and Jefferson Khonghun (Zambales–1st), who noted the "background and legal expertise" of de Lima as being beneficial to the panel.{{Cite web |last=Lalu |first=Gabriel Pabico |date=2025-05-14 |title=Solons back de Lima, Diokno as impeachment prosecutors |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2060428/solons-back-de-lima-dioknos-inclusion-in-impeachment-prosec-team |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}} She accepted the invitation, citing her commitment to "duty and principle" and affirming non-partisanship in her role, in a move that her colleagues regarded as a "boost" to the panel.{{Cite web |last=Jaucian |first=Michael B. |date=2025-05-14 |title=De Lima: Decision to join panel comes from place of 'duty and principle' |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2060455/de-lima-decision-to-join-panel-comes-from-place-of-duty-and-principle |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Lalu |first=Gabriel Pabico |date=2025-05-14 |title=De Lima accepts House invitation to join impeachment prosec team |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2060437/de-lima-accepts-house-invitation-to-join-impeachment-prosec-team |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Argosino |first=Faith |date=2025-05-25 |title=De Lima to boost prosecution in Sara Duterte impeachment trial – solon |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2063445/lawmaker-on-de-lima-joining-house-prosecution-team |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}

Political positions

De Lima was unable to vote against the Congressional vote on extending martial law in Mindanao following the Battle of Marawi in 2017 because of her detention.{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/915872/european-parliament-let-de-lima-do-her-duties|title=European Parliament: Let de Lima do her duties |work=The Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=July 21, 2017|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=August 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829202709/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/915872/european-parliament-let-de-lima-do-her-duties|url-status=live}} In December 2017, de Lima criticized Duterte for his pivot to China, citing what happened in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Cambodia, where those countries were put by China in a debt trap after accepting Chinese loans, leading to China's economic control on those countries.

In January 2018, de Lima criticized Duterte after it was revealed that the national debt ballooned to {{Philippine peso|6.6 trillion}} and the debt-to-GDP ratio expanded into 36.4%.{{cite web|url=http://business.inquirer.net/244982/government-outstanding-debt-weaker-peso-domestic-borrowings-economy-treasury|title=Gov't's outstanding debt in 2017 hits record-high of P6.652 trillion |first=Ben |last=De Vera |date=January 29, 2018|access-date=February 22, 2018|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223110916/http://business.inquirer.net/244982/government-outstanding-debt-weaker-peso-domestic-borrowings-economy-treasury|url-status=live}} She also criticized the government for 'bowing down' to China amidst the South China Sea dispute and Chinese exploration in the Benham Rise.{{cite news |access-date=March 21, 2018|title=De Lima lectures Roque after shrugging off China's renaming of Benham Rise features|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/19/de-lima-lectures-roque-after-shrugging-off-chinas-renaming-of-benham-rise-features/|newspaper=Manila Bulletin |archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223171420/https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/19/de-lima-lectures-roque-after-shrugging-off-chinas-renaming-of-benham-rise-features/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/163453/de-lima-duterte-china-benham-rise-foreign-affairs-cayetano-maritime|title=De Lima says Duterte has become a 'Chinese governor' |first=Julius |last=Leonen |date=January 17, 2018|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-date=February 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224112949/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/163453/de-lima-duterte-china-benham-rise-foreign-affairs-cayetano-maritime|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/963491/de-lima-hits-govt-for-bowing-to-china-belittling-ph-scientists-on-benham-rise-issue-de-lima-benham-rise-china-maritime-research-duterte|title=De Lima hits gov't for bowing to China, 'belittling' PH scientists on Benham Rise issue |first=Jhoanna |last=Ballaran |date=January 25, 2018|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-date=February 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224112953/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/963491/de-lima-hits-govt-for-bowing-to-china-belittling-ph-scientists-on-benham-rise-issue-de-lima-benham-rise-china-maritime-research-duterte|url-status=live}}

De Lima sought Senate inquiries regarding the terms of loans of the government's infrastructure program, which indebted the country rapidly within a few months,{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/972575/de-lima-seeks-inquiry-into-terms-of-loans-for-build-build-build-program|title=De Lima seeks inquiry into terms of loans for 'Build, Build, Build' program|first=Philippine Daily|last=Inquirer|date=March 3, 2018|access-date=March 3, 2018|archive-date=March 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303193233/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/972575/de-lima-seeks-inquiry-into-terms-of-loans-for-build-build-build-program|url-status=live}} and the anti-money laundering law compliance after the Ombudsman dropped all money laundering cases against Duterte due to his administration's threats.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/197323-de-lima-senate-compliance-review-amla|title=De Lima seeks inquiry into anti-money laundering law compliance|date=March 3, 2018|access-date=March 3, 2018|archive-date=March 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303164756/https://www.rappler.com/nation/197323-de-lima-senate-compliance-review-amla|url-status=live}} On April 4, de Lima filed a dismissal for the ouster petition filed against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.{{cite web |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/04/04/1802778/de-lima-trillanes-seek-dismissal-ouster-petition-vs-sereno |title=De Lima, Trillanes seek dismissal of ouster petition vs Sereno |publisher=Philstar.com |access-date=November 23, 2018 |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227193147/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/04/04/1802778/de-lima-trillanes-seek-dismissal-ouster-petition-vs-sereno |url-status=live }} On May 13, de Lima joined liberal senators in condemning Sereno's ouster through a quo warranto petition, which de Lima said was an unconstitutional way to oust an impeachable officer.{{cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/04/18/de-lima-trillanes-caution-vs-hasty-resolution-of-sereno-ouster-plea|title=De Lima, Trillanes caution vs hasty resolution of Sereno ouster plea|work=ABS-CBN|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-date=June 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611223111/http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/04/18/de-lima-trillanes-caution-vs-hasty-resolution-of-sereno-ouster-plea|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/17/18/senators-urge-sc-to-review-sereno-ouster|title=Senators urge SC to review Sereno ouster|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-date=June 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603004607/http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/17/18/senators-urge-sc-to-review-sereno-ouster|url-status=live}}

On June 1, de Lima filed a resolution seeking to probe blacklisted Chinese firms that were accepted by the Duterte administration in the rehabilitation of Marawi despite being banned by the World Bank due to corrupt practices.{{cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/01/18/de-lima-wants-probe-on-blacklisted-chinese-firms-tapped-in-marawi-rehab|title=De Lima wants probe on blacklisted Chinese firms tapped in Marawi rehab |work=ABS-CBN|access-date=June 4, 2018|archive-date=June 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603181023/http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/01/18/de-lima-wants-probe-on-blacklisted-chinese-firms-tapped-in-marawi-rehab|url-status=live}} On June 3, de Lima filed a resolution seeking to probe the state-sponsored immigration of Chinese citizens into the Philippines which caused the unemployment of Filipinos.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/655523/de-lima-wants-to-probe-influx-of-chinese-nationals-into-phl/story/|title=De Lima wants to probe influx of Chinese nationals into PHL|date=June 3, 2018 |access-date=June 4, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141312/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/655523/de-lima-wants-to-probe-influx-of-chinese-nationals-into-phl/story/|url-status=live}} On June 5, de Lima called solicitor-general Jose Calida, who had helped spearhead her arrest, as a 'role model in government corruption' after reports of a multi-million peso corruption scandal involving him surfaced.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/204177-leila-de-lima-jose-calida-role-model-government-corruption|title=De Lima calls Calida 'new role model in gov't corruption' |date=June 5, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035627/https://www.rappler.com/nation/204177-leila-de-lima-jose-calida-role-model-government-corruption|url-status=live}}

On July 25, de Lima wrote a letter expressing her dismay on the ascension of Duterte ally and former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as House Speaker. She added that Arroyo's rise to power via unconstitutional means has led to the rise of the country's 'true minority'.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/662988/arroyo-s-election-as-speaker-led-to-rise-of-true-minority-de-lima/story/|title=Arroyo's election as Speaker led to rise of true minority —De Lima|date=August 4, 2018 |access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828001824/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/662988/arroyo-s-election-as-speaker-led-to-rise-of-true-minority-de-lima/story/|url-status=live}} On July 31, de Lima called on Congress to pass a bill seeking to prohibit premature campaigning in elections.{{cite web|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/01/sen-leila-de-lima-seeks-passage-of-bill-prohibiting-premature-campaigning/|title=Sen. Leila de Lima seeks passage of bill prohibiting premature campaigning|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828041043/https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/01/sen-leila-de-lima-seeks-passage-of-bill-prohibiting-premature-campaigning/|url-status=live}} On August 28, she also pushed for a bill that seeks to increase the pension of qualified indigent senior citizens.{{cite web|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/31/bill-increasing-pension-of-qualified-indigent-senior-citizens-pushed/|title=Bill increasing pension of qualified indigent senior citizens pushed|work=Manila Bulletin News |access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035524/https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/31/bill-increasing-pension-of-qualified-indigent-senior-citizens-pushed/|url-status=live}} She also sought the passage of the Pedestrian Safety Act.{{cite web|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/10/de-lima-pushes-passage-of-pedestrian-safety-act/|title=De Lima pushes passage of Pedestrian Safety Act|work=Manila Bulletin News |access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035527/https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/10/de-lima-pushes-passage-of-pedestrian-safety-act/|url-status=live}}

On August 1, de Lima welcomed the indictment against Pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1017417/de-lima-napoles-us-indictment-is-welcome-news|title=De Lima: Napoles US indictment is 'welcome news'|first=Cathrine|last=Gonzales|date=August 3, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828070958/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1017417/de-lima-napoles-us-indictment-is-welcome-news|url-status=live}} On August 4, de Lima and other senators spearheaded the need to probe the conditions of displaced persons in war-torn areas of Mindanao, notably in Marawi.{{cite web|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/04/18/de-lima-seeks-probe-into-condition-of-people-displaced-by-mindanao-clashes|title=De Lima seeks probe into condition of people displaced by Mindanao clashes |work=ABS-CBN |access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035551/http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/04/18/de-lima-seeks-probe-into-condition-of-people-displaced-by-mindanao-clashes|url-status=live}} On August 7, de Lima pushed for the passage of the calamity leave bill, which would provide 5 days of calamity leave for workers.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1018431/news-leila-de-lima-calamity-leave-sb-1910-senate|title=De Lima proposes 5-day calamity leave|first=Maila|last=Ager|date=August 7, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828073954/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1018431/news-leila-de-lima-calamity-leave-sb-1910-senate|url-status=live}} On August 11, de Lima filed a bill on incentivizing the use of solar energy in households.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/663773/de-lima-files-bill-on-incentivizing-use-of-solar-energy-in-households/story/|title=De Lima files bill on incentivizing use of solar energy in households |date=August 11, 2018 |access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035530/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/663773/de-lima-files-bill-on-incentivizing-use-of-solar-energy-in-households/story/|url-status=live}} On the same day, she joined other senators in calling for a ban on single-occupancy vehicles on EDSA.{{cite web|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/11/18/ban-on-single-occupancy-vehicles-on-edsa-puts-public-at-risk-de-lima|title=Ban on single-occupancy vehicles on EDSA puts public at risk: De Lima|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828001814/http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/11/18/ban-on-single-occupancy-vehicles-on-edsa-puts-public-at-risk-de-lima|url-status=live}} On August 18, de Lima expressed the need to probe the Bureau of Immigration's {{Philippine peso|869-million}} loss from express lane fees.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/664629/de-lima-wants-probe-on-bi-s-p869-m-loss-from-express-lane-fees/story/|title=De Lima wants probe on BI's P869-M loss from express lane fees |date=August 18, 2018 |access-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828001822/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/664629/de-lima-wants-probe-on-bi-s-p869-m-loss-from-express-lane-fees/story/|url-status=live}}

On August 24, minority senators called on the Supreme Court to allow de Lima to be present during the ICC withdrawal case through video conference.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/210289-minority-senators-to-supreme-court-allow-video-conference-de-lima-icc-withdrawal-case|title=Minority senators to SC: Allow video conference for De Lima in ICC case|date=August 24, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035706/https://www.rappler.com/nation/210289-minority-senators-to-supreme-court-allow-video-conference-de-lima-icc-withdrawal-case|url-status=live}} On August 25, de Lima called for a Senate probe into delays in the free irrigation law's mandated implementing rules and regulations.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/665446/de-lima-bats-for-senate-probe-into-delays-in-free-irrigation-law-s-irr/story/|title=De Lima bats for Senate probe into delays in free irrigation law's IRR|date=August 25, 2018 |access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035601/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/665446/de-lima-bats-for-senate-probe-into-delays-in-free-irrigation-law-s-irr/story/|url-status=live}} On August 30, de Lima filed a bill that would raise the statutory age of rape to 18.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/210714-de-lima-bill-raise-age-statutory-rape-18-years-old|title=De Lima bill raises statutory age of rape to 18|date=August 30, 2018|access-date=November 23, 2018|archive-date=November 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125095539/https://www.rappler.com/nation/210714-de-lima-bill-raise-age-statutory-rape-18-years-old|url-status=live}}

Writings

On February 22, 2018, de Lima announced that she would launch an e-book, entitled, Dispatches from Crame I on February 23, a day before the anniversary of her incarceration. On February 23, the e-book was officially launched at the office of the Commission on Human Rights in Quezon City. It contained all the statements and letters written by her since she her imprisonment in 2017. It also contained statements from her supporters from various local and international organizations and personalities.{{cite news |url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/22/18/de-lima-to-launch-e-book-featuring-letters-from-detention |title=De Lima to launch e-book featuring letters from detention |work=ABS-CBN News |date=February 22, 2018 |access-date=February 25, 2018 |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128214327/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/22/18/de-lima-to-launch-e-book-featuring-letters-from-detention |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tx5gSpxjnJzOHuSlthIZHWwI-Wyko7s5/view|title=Dispatches from Crame 1.pdf|access-date=February 23, 2018|archive-date=December 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227193151/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tx5gSpxjnJzOHuSlthIZHWwI-Wyko7s5/view|url-status=live}}

On June 1, 2018, a book by de Lima's spiritual adviser, Fr. Robert Reyes, entitled, Prisoner of Conscience Prisoner of Hope, was launched, containing various accounts from different personalities giving their views of and conversations with de Lima during her incarceration.{{cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fr-reyes-launched-book-reflecting-de-limas-life-leila-de-lima|title=Fr. Reyes launched book reflecting De Lima's life in detention|website=linkedin.com|access-date=June 4, 2018|archive-date=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603193831/https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fr-reyes-launched-book-reflecting-de-limas-life-leila-de-lima|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2018/0531_delima3.asp|title=Press Release - De Lima: Message on the book launching of "Prisoner of Conscience, Prisoner of Hope"|website=senate.gov.ph|access-date=June 4, 2018|archive-date=August 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813121844/http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2018/0531_delima3.asp|url-status=live}}

On de Lima's birthday on August 27, 2018, she released her second book, entitled, Fight for Freedom and Other Writings, which collects her speeches, letters, and notes, as well as letters of support from prominent personalities such as Vice President Leni Robredo, former Hong Kong Legislative Council Member Emily Lau, and Liberal International President Juli Minoves.{{cite web|url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1759843|title=De Lima to celebrate 59th birthday in jail with release of 2nd book|website=sunstar.com.ph|date=August 25, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=May 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531215409/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1759843|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/210365-leila-de-lima-book-fight-for-freedom-other-writings|title=De Lima marks 2nd birthday in jail with new book|date=August 25, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802235105/https://www.rappler.com/nation/210365-leila-de-lima-book-fight-for-freedom-other-writings/|url-status=live}}

Personal life

De Lima was previously married for more than thirty years to lawyer Plaridel Bohol, who was her classmate in college, before their marriage was annulled. She has two children.{{Cite web |url=https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/delima_bio.asp |title=De Lima family |access-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726233157/https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/delima_bio.asp |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/152558-leila-de-lima-ronnie-dayan-separated-wife/ |title=Dayan, wife long separated before our relationship – De Lima |work=Rappler |date=November 16, 2016 |access-date=December 24, 2023 }}

De Lima's aunt, Julie de Lima, married Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison, making him her uncle by marriage.{{cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/07/30/09/de-lima-so-what-if-im-jomas-kin|title=De Lima: So what if I'm Joma's kin?|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=December 17, 2016|date=July 30, 2009|archive-date=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603140832/https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/07/30/09/de-lima-so-what-if-im-jomas-kin|url-status=live}} Another aunt, Lilia de Lima, served as the head of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and is a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee.{{cite news |last1=Elemia |first1=Camille |title=From power to prison: How 2017 changed the life of De Lima, family |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/191483-leila-de-lima-family-yearend-2017/ |access-date=February 23, 2022 |work=Rappler |date=December 16, 2017 |archive-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223135715/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/191483-leila-de-lima-family-yearend-2017/ |url-status=live }}

Following her release, De Lima, who describes herself as a dog lover, adopted five cats from Camp Crame who accompanied her constantly during her detention.{{cite news |last1=Jairo |first1=Bolledo |title=Cat lady of Crame: De Lima's fur babies kept her company, and sane |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/cats-camp-crame-de-lima-fur-babies-kept-her-company-sane/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |work=Rappler |date=November 16, 2023}}

Honors and recognition

MetroBank Foundation Professorial Chair for Public Service and Governance (2010)
Excellent Public Servant Award (2010)
Defender of People's Rights (2010)
“Agent of Change” Award (2010)
Most Outstanding Alumna Award 2010 by San Beda University{{cite web|title=Senator Leila De Lima |url=https://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/delima_bio.asp|access-date=November 23, 2018 |publisher=Senate.gov.ph|archive-date=November 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119155037/http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/delima_bio.asp|url-status=live}}
Most Outstanding Alumna Award 2011 by San Beda University
2016 Global Thinker Award by Foreign Policy
Top Most Influential People for 2017 by Time Magazine{{Cite web|url=https://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736274/leila-de-lima/|title=TIME 2017 100 Most Influential People - Leila De Lima|access-date=December 26, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420211342/http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736274/leila-de-lima/|url-status=live}}
Women Human Rights Defenders for 2017 by Amnesty International
The 2017 Prize For Freedom by Liberal International.{{cite news|last1=Roxas|first1=Pathricia|title='Political prisoner' De Lima gets 'Prize for Freedom' award from int'l liberal groups|url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/161348/leila-de-lima-political-prisoner-prize-for-freedom-award-human-rights-politics-liberal-international|access-date=November 1, 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=November 1, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107021003/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/161348/leila-de-lima-political-prisoner-prize-for-freedom-award-human-rights-politics-liberal-international|url-status=live}}
2017 Leading Global Thinker Award{{Cite news|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/de-lima-named-global-thinker-second-year-openly-defying-duterte-drug-war/366823/|title=De Lima named 'Global Thinker' for second year for 'openly defying' Duterte drug war|work=The Manila Times|access-date=December 26, 2018|archive-date=December 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226232551/https://www.manilatimes.net/de-lima-named-global-thinker-second-year-openly-defying-duterte-drug-war/366823/|url-status=live}}
World's 50 Greatest Leaders for 2018 by Fortune Magazine
2018 Southeast Asia's Women to Watch by The Diplomat{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/03/29/1801458/magazine-names-de-lima-among-southeast-asias-women-watch|title=Magazine names De Lima among Southeast Asia's women to watch |website=philstar.com|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-date=April 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401023805/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/03/29/1801458/magazine-names-de-lima-among-southeast-asias-women-watch|url-status=live}}
2018 Most Distinguished Human Rights Defender Award by Amnesty International
2018 Women Human Rights Defenders Under Threat recognized by Amnesty International
2018 Human Rights Defenders recognized at the Human Rights Defender World Summit in Paris

References

External links

{{official website|https://leiladelima.ph}}
[http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/delima_bio18th.asp Senator Leila de Lima] – Senate of the Philippines

{{s-bef|before=Alberto Agra
{{small|Acting}}}}

{{s-aft|after=Alfredo Caguioa
{{small|Acting}}}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights|years=2008–2010}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the Philippine Senate Electoral Reforms and
People's Participation Committee|years=2016–2018}}

{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the Philippine Senate
Justice and Human Rights Committee|years=2016}}

{{Subject bar |auto=1|portal=Law|portal3=Philippines |portal4=Politics}}

Category:1959 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century Filipino lawyers

Category:21st-century Filipino politicians

Category:21st-century Filipino women politicians

Category:21st-century Filipino women lawyers