The Court of Appeals (CA) has overturned the acquittal of Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list congresswoman-elect Leila de Lima adn Ronnie Dayan in one of their drug-related cases, ordering the regional trial court (RTC) of Muntinlupa City to revisit the case and render a new decision.
In a 12-page ruling penned by Associate Justice Eleuterio L. Bathan of the CA’s 8th Division, the court declared that the Muntinlupa RTC Presiding Judge Abraham Joseph Alcantara’s decision dated May 12, 2023, and its order dated July 6, 2023, were rendered with ‘grave abuse of discretion.’
“An acquittal rendered through a judgment marred by grave abuse of discretion cannot be considered an acquittal entitled to the protection against double jeopardy,” the CA ruled.
As a result, the CA declared the decision “null and void” and directed the RTC to re-evaluate the case in accordance with the guidelines set by the appellate court.
The case involves accusations against De Lima, who was previously acquitted by the Muntinlupa RTC in 2023.
The CA, however, determined that the RTC had committed serious errors that tainted its judgment, warranting the case's reconsideration.
Meanwhile, De Lima, now a member of Congress after winning Mamamayang Liberal Party-list in this year's midterm elections, expressed her disappointment towards the CA ruling.
In a statement released on May 15, 2025, she questioned the clarity of the CA's decision and announced her plan to file a Motion for Reconsideration.
"Kataka-taka itong desisyon na ito na mistulang pinapaulit ng CA ang pagkasulat ng desisyon ng RTC dahil daw hindi ito masyadong malinaw," De Lima wrote in a Facebook post.
De Lima further said that her legal team will file a Motion for Reconsideration, highlighting specific portions of the records that should be re-examined.
Her legal defense team is also preparing to elevate the case to the Supreme Court (SC) if necessary.
Despite her legal battles, De Lima, who served as a senator before being detained on drug-related charges, has consistently maintained her innocence.
Her 2023 acquittal in one of the drug cases had been seen by her supporters as a partial vindication, but the CA’s decision has now revived the legal proceedings against her.
The CA’s directive sends the case back to the RTC for a new decision, with instructions to review the evidence and arguments under the guidelines specified by the appellate court.
This decision adds another chapter to the long-running legal battle of De Lima, who has been one of the most prominent critics of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, which she has described as plagued by human rights abuses.
