Former Philippines senator Leila De Lima expressed relief and happiness after being granted bail following over six years in detention. She was targeted by the Duterte administration for her vocal criticism and investigations into extrajudicial killings linked to his anti-drug campaign.
De Lima’s exoneration has prompted the International Criminal Court (ICC) to look closer into the evidence of state-sponsored crimes in the Philippines. Carlos Conde from Human Rights Watch believes this will lead to a deeper investigation into Duterte’s actions.
Ramon Beleno III from Ateneo De Davao University stated that De Lima’s case showed the justice system is working, questioning the need for further ICC intervention. However, the political impact of the ICC case on Duterte and Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio remains uncertain.