Philippine court grants bail to fierce critic of bloody ‘war on drugs’ after six years in police detention
cnn.com/2023/11/13/asia/philippines-leila-de-lima-drug-charges-bail-intl-hnk/
Photo: cnn.com · view article
Philippine court grants De Lima bail after over six yearsThe former senator had been held in a police cell since February 2017 without being convicted.
- On November 13, presiding Judge Hon. Gener M. Gito granted bail at a regional trial court in Muntinlupa City.
- The bail conditions were set at about $5,300 (300,000 Philippine pesos), and her legal team was expected to file the paperwork later that Monday evening.
- De Lima had been acquitted on two of the three charges against her, all arising from Duterte’s allegations that she received payments from convicted drug gangs to finance her 2016 Senate campaign.
- Amnesty International welcomed the bail but called for dismissal of the remaining drug case, while the UN human rights office and Human Rights Watch had also criticized her detention.
Be careful with me because when I say I will do it for my country, I will do it even if I have to kill you or be killed in the process.— Rodrigo Duterte, in a speech warning lawmakers about his willingness to act, including lethal measures, to defend his country
Story Details
| Last Updated | |
| Total Articles | 200 |
Main Topics
News on this topic
WATCH: ‘Leila de Lima is free’ in videos: Here are videos from Rappler’s coverage of former senator Leila De Lima’s release that you shouldn’t miss
rappler.com/philippines/videos-leila-de-lima-is-free/
Robredo, De Lima reunite: Former VP Robredo and ex-senator De Lima reunited in their home province in Camarines Sur on Thursday.
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/16/23/robredo-de-lima-reunite
Freed De Lima an extra hand in ICC probe into Duterte drug war, death squad: 'My resolve is still so strong in terms of seeking justice for the murderous ...
rappler.com/philippines/freed-de-lima-extra-hand-icc-probe-iduterte-drug-war-death-squad/
More articles on this subject
Previous
De Lima comes home to mom in Iriga: ‘I won’t leave you again’: 'How can I be bitter when I'm surrounded by my loved ones?' says Leila de Lima
rappler.com/philippines/leila-de-lima-reunion-mother-iriga-homecoming/
Leni Robredo, Leila de Lima share details of their reunion: "We didn't talk about politics, actually," Robredo said.
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/16/23/leni-robredo-leila-de-lima-share-details-of-their-reunion
Philippine court grants bail to fierce critic of bloody ‘war on drugs’ after six years in police detention
cnn.com/2023/11/13/asia/philippines-leila-de-lima-drug-charges-bail-intl-hnk/
Leila de Lima: Philippine court grants bail to Duterte drugs war critic: Former senator Leila de Lima has long fought what she describes as trumped-up drug ...
bbc.com/news/world-asia-65478495
Leila de Lima gets bail, freedom soon: (3rd UPDATE) Former senator Leila de Lima is allowed to post bail in the amount of P300,000
rappler.com/philippines/muntinlupa-court-approves-bail-de-lima-freedom-november-2023/
Inside Camp Crame and the courtroom: De Lima’s anxiety and joy: De Lima was emotional when she walked out the door, barely able to say the words ...
rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/inside-camp-crame-courtroom-de-lima-anxiety-joy/
De Lima visits Robredo in Naga City: Former Philippine vice president Leni Robredo meets with ex-senator Leila de Lima days after the former lawmaker was ...
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/16/23/de-lima-visits-robredo-in-naga-city
Leni meets Leila in Naga: No politics, ‘she deserves personal time’: 'Saka na lang kami mag-uusap kung ano 'yung halaga nito para sa mga kasamahan ...
rappler.com/philippines/leni-meets-leila-in-naga-no-politics-she-deserves-personal-time/
Ex-VP Robredo, et al rejoice over grant of De Lima's bail: Former Vice-President Leni Robredo, ex-senator Antonio Trillanes and several others reacted to the ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/13/23/ex-vp-robredo-et-al-rejoice-over-grant-of-de-limas-bail
De Lima ikinuwento ang muling pagkikita nila ng ina: Ilang lugar ang pinuntahan ngayong Huwebes ni dating Sen. Leila de Lima.
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/16/23/de-lima-ikinuwento-ang-muling-pagkikita-nila-ng-ina
Leila de Lima, Duterte Critic, Is Released on Bail in the Philippines: Though she was never convicted, Ms. de Lima was detained for six years after she fiercely ...
nytimes.com/2023/11/13/world/asia/leila-de-lima-release-philippines.html
IN THE MOMENT: De Lima granted bail: Detained former senator Leila de Lima was granted bail on Monday, her lawyer said.
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/13/23/in-the-moment-de-lima-granted-bail
Roque says no regrets wishing De Lima a lifetime in jail: At one point, Roque told De Lima, 'Happy anniversary on your first year of detention ...
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/16/23/roque-says-no-regrets-wishing-de-lima-a-lifetime-in-jail
Leila De Lima, released after posting bail: Former senator Leila de Lima has been released after being granted bail by the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court.
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/13/23/leila-de-lima-nakalaya-na-matapos-magpiyansa
[PANOORIN] Homecoming ni Leila de Lima: Ito ang pinakahihintay ng dating senador sa kanyang paglaya matapos ang halos pitong taon na pagkakakulong
rappler.com/philippines/video-leila-de-lima-homecoming-iriga-reunion-mother/
![[PANOORIN] Homecoming ni Leila de Lima](https://www.rappler.com/tachyon/2023/11/ls-tc.jpg)
De Lima allowed to post bail: Detained former Sen. Leila de Lima, facing the last of three drug cases filed against her during the Duterte administration ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/13/23/de-lima-allowed-to-post-bail
De Lima's emotional homecoming in Iriga City: After almost 7 years of imprisonment, former senator Leila de Lima has returned home to her family and relatives in ...
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/16/23/emosyonal-na-pag-uwi-ni-de-lima-sa-iriga-city
De Lima case: Who is Judge Gener Gito?: Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 206 Judge Gener Gito grants former Senator Leila de Lima's petition for ...
rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/things-to-know-judge-gener-gito-de-lima-case/
Relatives of De Lima fear for his safety: The relatives of former Sen. Leila De Lima on her security now that she has been released.
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/15/23/mga-kaanak-ni-de-lima-nangangamba-para-sa-kaniyang-seguridad
Prominent Duterte Critic Released on Bail in the Philippines: Former Senator Leila De Lima has walked free on bail after nearly seven years in prison on charges ...
thediplomat.com/2023/11/prominent-duterte-critic-released-on-bail-in-the-philippines/
'Free Leila Now! Supporters clamor for De Lima's release: Detained former Sen. Leila de Lima has arrived at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204 for a ...
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/13/23/free-leila-now-supporters-clamor-for-de-limas-release
De Lima reunites with family, supporters in Iriga City: Former Sen. Leila de Lima finally reunited with her family after arriving in her hometown in San Agustin ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/15/23/de-lima-reunites-with-family-supporters-in-iriga-city
Drilon wants those responsible for De Lima's incarceration to be punished: Ex-Sen. Drilon said even though he feels "elated" with the court granting bail for ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/13/23/drilon-wants-those-responsible-for-de-limas-incarceration-to-be-punished
'I will see my mommy!': De Lima off to Bicol to be with family: Former Sen. Leila de Lima is also looking forward to eating her favorite food again such as Bicol ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/15/23/makikita-ko-na-ang-mommy-ko-de-lima-off-to-bicol-to-be-with-family
Carpio: De Lima should have been allowed bail earlier: 'Sabi ko wala talaga, this is persecution, this is not prosecution. That was my dissenting opinion ...
rappler.com/philippines/carpio-de-lima-should-have-been-allowed-bail-earlier/
What happened to the cases filed against Leila de Lima?: Review the events in former senator Leila de Lima's cases until the court allowed her temporary freedom.
news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/multimedia/video/11/15/23/anong-mga-nangyari-sa-mga-kasong-isinampa-kay-leila-de-lima
De Lima to adopt 5 cats from detention facility: In a statement in January last year, the former senator said her detention quarters felt 'a little bit cozier' ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/15/23/de-lima-to-adopt-5-cats-from-detention-facility
De Lima: Recantations not a factor in bail grant: None of the witnesses that the prosecution presented at bail hearings have recanted their testimony ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/15/23/de-lima-recantations-not-a-factor-in-bail-grant
De Lima, relatives are waiting in Iriga: Some relatives of former senator Leila de Lima are waiting for her arrival at their house in Iriga City.
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/15/23/de-lima-hinihintay-ng-mga-kaanak-sa-iriga
EXPLAINER: Why court allowed Leila de Lima to post bail: After running through the testimonies of the witnesses, the court says the testimonies were unable to ...
rappler.com/newsbreak/explainers/why-court-allowed-leila-de-lima-post-bail-november-2023/
Why De Lima defied security advice, chose Manaoag as her first stop: A crying former senator Leila de Lima, known for a fierce persona, ‘practically begged and ...
rappler.com/philippines/why-leila-de-lima-defied-security-advice-visited-manaoag-shrine/
Justice in the Philippines: Duterte critic is free: Filipino human rights activist Leila de Lima is released after almost seven years. She was allegedly ...
taz.de/!5972996/
De Lima admits being ousted as Senate committee chair was painful: Former Sen. Leila de Lima on Tuesday recalled she was hurt when she was ousted as chairperson ...
news.abs-cbn.com/video/spotlight/11/15/23/de-lima-admits-being-ousted-as-senate-committee-chair-was-painful
De Lima eager to rebuild, reconnect with family and friends: Released on bail after nearly seven years in detention, former Philippine Sen ...
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/14/23/de-lima-eager-to-rebuild-reconnect-with-family-and-friends
Perpetrators behind De Lima detention should be held accountable, say human rights advocates
rappler.com/philippines/perpetrators-behind-leila-de-lima-detention-should-be-held-accountable/
[OPINION] Women and Leila de Lima’s journey to freedom: Filipino women organized themselves to defend, protect, and support former senator Leila de Lima. Today ...
rappler.com/voices/imho/opinion-women-and-leila-de-lima-journey-to-freedom/
![[OPINION] Women and Leila de Lima’s journey to freedom](https://www.rappler.com/tachyon/2023/11/leila-de-lima-freedom-nov-13-2023.jpg)
De Lima visits Manaoag Shrine | The wRap: The wRap's highlights: Leila de Lima, SEVENTEEN & Maggie Wilson
rappler.com/video/daily-wrap/november-14-2023/
As opposition lawmakers celebrate De Lima’s bail, calls for accountability remain
rappler.com/philippines/statements-lawmakers-court-grants-bail-de-lima-november-2023/
PANOORIN: Ang unang araw ng kalayaan ni Leila de Lima: Pinili ni De Lima na gamitin ang unang araw ng kanyang kalayaan upang magdasal at magpasalamat sa birhen ...
rappler.com/newsbreak/podcasts-videos/leila-de-lima-first-day-freedom-november-14-2023/
De Lima bail proves PH judiciary's 'independence': Imee: On Monday, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 206 Judge Gener Gito allowed former Sen. Leila De Lima to post bail in ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/14/23/de-lima-bail-proves-ph-judiciarys-independence-imee
De Lima on Duterte: ‘God forgive him and God bless him’: 'Hindi ko isusuko ang aking pagkatao at pagiging tao. They may have taken years of my life ...
rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/de-lima-message-duterte-god-forgive-bless-him/
'Nobody can be held accountable': De Lima team plans 'day of reckoning': A spokesperson of ex-senator Leila de Lima on Tuesday castigated ex-presidential ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/14/23/hindi-pwedeng-walang-mananagot-de-lima-team-plans-day-of-reckoning
De Lima eyes 'restoring normal life soon very soon': De Lima said she was looking forward to reuniting with her family in their hometown and 'restoring my normal ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/14/23/de-lima-eyes-restoring-normal-life-soon-very-soon
Why Muntinlupa court allowed De Lima, others to post bail: Muntinlupa RTC Branch 206 Judge Gener Gito reversed Judge Romeo Buenaventura's previous denial of De ...
news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/11/13/23/why-muntinlupa-court-allowed-de-lima-others-to-post-bail
'Unbelievable': Witnesses' testimony vs De Lima 'unbelievable' - lawyer: A lawyer of former senator Leila de Lima said a judge granted de Lima's bail petition ...
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/14/23/di-kapani-paniwala-witnesses-testimony-vs-de-lima-unbelievable-lawyer
Leila de Lima free, but still fighting: After languishing behind bars for nearly seven years, Philippine drug war critic Leila de Lima said she "never lost ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/13/23/leila-de-lima-free-but-still-fighting
De Lima camp asks Marcos admin to ensure her safety: The lawyer of former Sen. Leila de Lima asked the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ...
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/14/23/de-lima-camp-asks-marcos-admin-to-ensure-her-safety
De Lima's political allies laud court's decision to grant bail to ex-senator: The international community praised the court decision granting bail to Duterte ...
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/14/23/de-limas-political-allies-laud-courts-decision-to-grant-bail-to-ex-senator
Ex-PH senator De Lima allowed to post bail by Muntinlupa court: Temporary freedom for detained former senator Leila de Lima after her detention for more than six ...
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/14/23/ex-ph-senator-de-lima-allowed-to-post-bail-by-muntinlupa-court
Philippine court grants bail to jailed 'drug war' critic: MANILA - A Philippine court on Monday (Nov 13) granted bail to a former senator and fierce ...
asiaone.com/asia/philippine-court-grants-bail-jailed-drug-war-critic
Leila de Lima walks free after bail | The wRap: The wRap highlight: Leila de Lima, Maharlika Fund president, Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce
rappler.com/video/daily-wrap/november-13-2023/
Rights groups, int’l community celebrate after court grants De Lima bail: Despite the bail of former senator Leila de Lima being granted, human rights groups say ...
rappler.com/philippines/human-rights-groups-international-community-statements-court-grants-de-lima-bail-november-2023/
'God bless him': De Lima sends message to ex-president Duterte: De Lima said there's more she could say about the former president, but she chooses not to reveal ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/13/23/god-bless-him-de-lima-send-message-to-ex-president-duterte
De Lima was greeted by supporters after being temporarily released: Former Sen. addressed the media. Leila de Lima at a hotel in Quezon City.
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/13/23/de-lima-sinalubong-ng-mga-tagasuporta-matapos-pansamantalang-makalaya
De Lima bail ruling shows 'independence of judiciary': Remulla: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday hailed the Muntinlupa court ruling allowing ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/13/23/de-lima-bail-ruling-shows-independence-of-judiciary-remulla
Philippines: Ex-Senator Leila de Lima leaves jail: The human rights campaigner and former justice minister, who spent a decade investigating ex-President Rodrigo ...
dw.com/en/philippines-ex-senator-leila-de-lima-leaves-jail/a-67383746
‘Free at last!': Top Duterte critic Leila de Lima out on bail after six years in jail
straitstimes.com/asia/philippine-court-grants-bail-to-ex-presidents-top-critic-after-6-years-in-jail-lawyer
Philippine opposition leader and Duterte critic freed after almost 7 years: Leila de Lima is considered the Philippines’ most prominent political prisoner. The U ...
washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/13/leila-de-lima-philippines-released/
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Former senator Leila de Lima out on bail: Join Rappler's John Nery, Lian Buan, and Jairo Bolledo for our special coverage of the release ...
rappler.com/philippines/special-coverage-former-senator-leila-de-lima-out-on-bail-november-13-2023/
De Lima was granted temporary release: The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 has allowed former Sen. Leila de Lima.
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/13/23/de-lima-pinayagang-pansamantalang-makalaya
Roque disagrees with, but respects bail for De Lima: Atty. Roque, who was once the spokesperson of former president Rodrigo Duterte, said he respects a court ...
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/13/23/roque-disagrees-with-but-respects-bail-for-de-lima
Philippine court finally grants bail to top Duterte critic: MANILA -- After more than six years in jail, former Sen. Leila de Lima is a step closer to freedom ...
asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Philippine-court-finally-grants-bail-to-top-Duterte-critic
Paid articlePaywall‘I cannot control my tears,’ says archbishop as De Lima is set to walk free: ‘Hindi natutulog ang Diyos,’ Archbishop Socrates Villegas tells Rappler after a ...
rappler.com/philippines/archbishop-socrates-villegas-reaction-bail-grant-leila-de-lima/
‘Freedom,’ Leila de Lima says after being granted bail: 'Sa inyo pong lahat na naniwala po sa akin, maraming, maraming salamat po. Hindi 'nyo ako ...
rappler.com/philippines/leila-de-lima-statement-muntinlupa-court-grants-bail-november-13-2023/
Dela Rosa says happy for De Lima after bail grant: Sen. Dela Rosa said he was happy for ex-Sen. De Lima and that he respected a court decision allowing her to ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/13/23/dela-rosa-says-happy-for-de-lima-after-bail-grant
De Lima to visit elderly mother after release: lawyer: Former senator Leila de Lima is expected to go back to her hometown in Camarines Sur to visit her mother ...
news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/11/13/23/de-lima-to-visit-elderly-mother-after-release-lawyer
TIMELINE: Leila de Lima in detention: (10th UPDATE) Here's a timeline of events related to the cases filed against former senator Leila de Lima ...
rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/timeline-leila-de-lima-detention/
De Lima emotional after getting bail: Former Senator Leila De Lima displays her emotions after being granted her bail plea.
news.abs-cbn.com/news/multimedia/photo/11/13/23/de-lima-emotional-after-getting-bail
Philippine court grants bail to jailed "drug war" critic: A Philippine court on Monday granted bail to a former senator and fierce critic of a former president's ...
reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippine-court-grants-bail-ex-presidents-top-critic-after-6-years-jail-lawyer-2023-11-13/
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/NYHA3WIGOVIBFLDIWBD62KECOE.jpg)
CNA Nov 13 23
Philippine court grants bail to jailed 'drug war' critic: Philippine human rights campaigner Leila de Lima has spent nearly seven years in jail ...
channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippine-human-rights-campaigner-leila-de-lima-bail-critic-former-president-rodrigo-duterte-drugs-war-3916801
Philippine Court Grants Bail Petition of Duterte Critic: A Philippine court has granted the bail petition of former Senator Leila de Lima ...
bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-13/philippine-court-grants-bail-petition-of-duterte-critic-de-lima
How De Lima, family reacted to getting bail: Detained former senator Leila de Lima was granted bail on Monday. Her brother Vicboy De Lima II shared how their ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/13/23/how-de-lima-family-reacted-to-getting-bail
Next
Similar to This
Previous
ICC says former Philippine President Duterte fit to stand trial: Judges at the International Criminal Court have found that former Philippine President Rodrigo ...
reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/icc-says-former-philippine-president-duterte-fit-stand-trial-2026-10-08/
Palace urges Rep. Leviste to face case, post bail: Palace Press Officer Claire Castrospeaks to reporters at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore ...
newsinfo.inquirer.net/2318951/palace-urges-rep-leviste-to-face-case-post-bail
Court grants lawyer Mabirizi mandatory bail after six months in custody: Mabirizi, who represented himself in the application, will also be required to deposit ...
monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-grants-lawyer-mabirizi-mandatory-bail-after-six-months-in-custody-5566454
Senior, 5 others arrested in Pampanga drug den: Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested a 64-year-old man and six other individuals ...
newsinfo.inquirer.net/2263468/senior-5-others-arrested-in-pampanga-drug-den
mb.com.ph Nov 01 25
'Kumontra kay congressmeow?': De Lima bill to make Philippine Coast Guard stronger
mb.com.ph/2025/11/01/kumontra-kay-congressmeow-de-lima-bill-to-make-philippine-coast-guard-stronger
'Begin with truth-telling': Torre, De Lima tackle war on drugs under Duterte presidency | ABS-CBN News
abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/25/-begin-with-truth-telling-torre-de-lima-tackle-war-on-drugs-under-duterte-presidency-1640
Prosecutors withdraw appeal of De Lima's acquittal in drug case: MANILA, Philippines — A panel of prosecutors on Wednesday withdrew its motion seeking to ...
newsinfo.inquirer.net/2086268/prosecutors-withdraw-appeal-of-de-limas-acquittal-in-drug-case
The senator, the priest, the forensic pathologist: the people who brought ex-president Duterte to justice
theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/14/the-senator-the-priest-the-forensic-pathologist-the-people-who-bought-ex-president-duterte-to-justice
De Lima: Cayetano should have been arrested by ICC, too: MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano is the "last person on earth" who should give a lecture ...
globalnation.inquirer.net/267501/de-lima-cayetano-should-have-been-arrested-by-icc-too
ICC takes case vs Duterte seriously - | De Lima | ABS-CBN News: Explore ABS-CBN's official website for the latest news, entertainment and shows ...
abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/12/icc-sineryoso-ang-kaso-vs-duterte-de-lima-1012
De Lima blasts 'remorseless' Duterte: 'You will answer for your crimes': De Lima has vowed to sue Duterte administration officials whom she blamed for her 7-year ...
news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/2/de-lima-blasts-remorseless-duterte-1640
Philippines Drops Charges Against Leila de Lima, Prominent Duterte Critic: Leila de Lima was detained for six years on drug charges after she fiercely opposed ...
nytimes.com/2024/06/24/world/asia/philippines-leila-de-lima-duterte.html
Leila de Lima, a free woman who won’t forget her causes: De Lima has no plans of running in the next polls, but she says she will continue her fight against ...
rappler.com/philippines/leila-de-lima-free-woman-who-will-not-forget-her-causes/
Philippine court denies bail for top Duterte rival after 6 years detained: A Philippine court on Wednesday rejected a bail request by an ex-senator and chief ...
reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippine-court-denies-bail-request-top-duterte-critic-drugs-case-2023-06-07/
Philippine court acquits top critic of ex-president Duterte's 'war on drugs': A Philippine court on Friday acquitted of a drugs charge one of the fiercest ...
reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippine-court-acquits-top-duterte-critic-after-6-years-detention-2023-05-12/
Next