Former Senator Leila de Lima strongly refuted claims labeling her as the "mother of all drug lords" during her appearance before the House quad-committee panel on Wednesday.
The House quad-comm is conducting a motu proprio inquiry into the anti-drug campaign carried out under former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration.
"Absolutely false. That is a fictitious, bogus allegation against me," De Lima stated, referring to the "mother of all drug lords" label.
The Duterte administration filed drug-related charges against the former senator for her alleged involvement in the New Bilibid Prison illegal drug trade, leading to her detention for six years.
Three cases were filed against De Lima. The initial charge was for consummated illegal drug trading; however, it was later amended to conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading.
After being held in detention since February 2017, De Lima secured temporary liberty on November 13, 2023, following the court’s approval of her bail.
Eventually, De Lima was acquitted of the three charges filed against her. "Abswelto na po ako doon sa tatlo dahil wala po akong kinalaman sa illegal drugs," she added.
Prior to her acquittal, witnesses retracted their testimonies against De Lima, explaining that they were troubled by their conscience.
De Lima believes the charges filed against her were a form of propaganda, with her being the 'prominent figure' that drew the attention of both the nation and the world.
"Kasama lang ho 'yan doon sa para mayroon silang isang figure, a prominent figure, at si Senador De Lima ho 'yon noong 2016, na doon ang magiging atensyon ng bansa [at] atensyon ng mundo, na itong babaeng ito ay the 'mother of all drug lords', the 'Bilibid drug trade queen," De Lima stated.
She further stated that she went through all the legal processes to clear her name, even though it was difficult and painful for her.
However, she emphasized that they cannot return the almost seven years of her life spent without freedom, all because of the anger of what she called the 'mastermind.'
'WALA PO AKONG KINALAMAN SA ILLEGAL DRUGS'
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) November 13, 2024
WATCH: Sa nagpapatuloy na pagdinig ng House Quad-Comm tungkol sa war on drugs, sinabi ni dating Sen. @AttyLeiladeLima na hindi totoo ang naging paratang sa kaniya na siya ang 'mother of all drug lords.' | DZRH News pic.twitter.com/gBZq8Rfc99
