Senator Leila de
“I am both humbled and thankful for their concerns not just for my plight but for the protection of human rights, democracy, rule of law and political freedom in the Philippines where the culture of fear and impunity reign,” she said in a statement.
In a resolution, US Senators Marco Rubio, Edward Markey, Richard Durbin, Marsha Blackburn, and Chris Coon condemned the arrests of human rights defenders and political leaders under the current administration.
They also considered De Lima as a prisoner of conscience saying she was imprisoned for her political beliefs.
The senators also called on the government to drop the charges against Rappler chief executive officer, Maria Ressa to ensure freedom of the press.
However, for Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra, the senators were given false information because both De Lima and Ressa were charged for violating Philippine laws.
“These five US senators have obviously been fed with wrong information. Sen De Lima and Maria Resa were charged with violation of Philippine laws, were given ample opportunity to present controverting evidence, and were found to be probably guilty of the crimes charged. They are now undergoing a fair trial in a court of law,” he said in a text message.
He also said that human rights and freedom of the press have nothing to do with their case because “they continue to relentlessly attack and badmouth the government to this very day.”
“The Philippine press is probably the freest in this part of the world,” he added.
Meanwhile, Malacañang told the senators to “mind your own business” and focus on the problems of their own country.
“I issued a statement on that. It’s an outrageous intrusion to our sovereignty. They have no business dictating on us on what are we going to do with suspected criminals in this country,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.
De Lima said that instead of considering it as an intrusion, critics should understand that these US senators are only fighting for justice, human rights, and democracy.
“Instead of bewailing their alleged ‘meddling’, those who negatively reacted to the US Senators’ move should recognize that these foreign entities are simply advancing universal causes of justice, human rights and democracy,” she said.
De Lima is currently facing four charges in violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 due to her alleged involvement in illegal drug trade.
Ressa, on the other hand, is currently facing libel charges and violation of the Anti-dummy Law.—Aileen Cerrudo (with reports from Mai Bermudez)
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