Former Senator Leila de Lima was released from the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial facility in Camp Crame after posting the prescribed bail bond on Monday evening, Nov. 13.
Based on Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206's release order, de Lima posted a P300,000 bail bond.
"Wherefore, finding the bond posted to be in order and in accordance with the law, accused LEILA M. DE LIMA is allowed provisional liberty under the said bond," it said.
By past 7 PM, de Lima and her team were able to leave Camp Crame and later held a press conference together with fellow Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros.
JUST IN: Coaster na sinasakyan ni Dating Senador Leila De Lima palabas na ng Camp Crame | RH05 @dzrh5 #SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/b7DGQIPvVX
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) November 13, 2023
"Free at last! Six years, eight months, and 21 days. This is my 2,454th day. So I'm released on the 2,454th day. Hindi ko ma-describe yung feeling na nangyari na yung pinaka-hihintay ko," the former Senator told the media.
"Alam ninyong lahat kung gaano tayo katagal naghintay, na may pananalig ng katotohanan at totoong hustisya ay magtatagumpay," she added.
LOOK: Dating Sen. Leila De Lima, humarap sa media kasama si Sen. Risa Hontiveros matapos payagan ng korte na makapagpiyansa at pansamantalang makalaya sa nalalabi nitong kaso korte | @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/OUdeoGRKzU
— Christian Maño (@xtian_mano) November 13, 2023
De Lima said she felt that her stay in detention "was a test" and that "every single second was a fight to rise above the sorrow, the fears, the uncertainties of the future."
The former Senator vowed to never be like her persecutors.
"They may have taken years of my life but they will never take my humanity. Ang mundo ay puno ng tao na bugtot ang kaluluha at makasarili sa harap ng pagdurusa ng taong-bayan. I will never be one of them," she underscored.
On Monday afternoon, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 206 presiding Judge Gener Gito released a ruling granting the former Senator's motion for bail filed in June this year.
