Duterte gadfly de Lima 'free at last'

Philippine human rights campaigner Leila de Lima was "triumphant" yesterday after a judge granted her bail, putting her a step closer to freedom after nearly seven years behind bars.

De Lima, one of the most outspoken critics of then president Rodrigo Duterte and his deadly anti-drug war, was jailed on narcotics-related charges she says were fabricated to silence her.

"This is a moment of triumphant joy and also thanksgiving," the former senator, justice minister and human rights commissioner said before being taken back to prison briefly ahead of her release.

"I've been praying so hard for this day to come. It's very painful to be jailed despite being innocent."

Her lawyer, Filibon Tacardon, said de Lima "cried" when the decision was announced in the court.

De Lima, 64, is accused of taking bribes to allow inmates at the largest Philippines prison to sell drugs while she was minister from 2010 to 2015.

Multiple witnesses, including prison gang bosses, died or recanted their testimonies, resulting in the dismissal of two of her three charges .

She still faces life in prison if convicted on the remaining charge.

Judge Gener Gito allowed de Lima and her four surviving co-accused to post bail of 300,000 pesos (HK$41,730) each.

"Precious freedom, free at last," she shouted as she was driven out of the compound for high-profile detainees where she was held.

Since President Ferdinand Marcos came to power last June there have been renewed calls from human rights groups, diplomats and politicians for de Lima's release.

Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said the ruling showed "democracy is alive and well in our country."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE