Although justice delayed is justice denied, justice finally secured is still justice redeemed.

This is the essence of Senator Leila de Lima’s belated grant of bail which is a prelude to her exoneration in all of the three feigned drug charges against her.

This finally marks an end to her odious and oppressive incarceration which has spanned 2,453 days or from 24 February 2017 to 13 November 2023.

The decision to grant bail by Judge Gener Gito of the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 206 is a step toward justice and freedom for Leila and a harsh indictment of those who falsely accused her of wrongdoing and caused her years of unimaginable suffering in solitary confinement and the indescribable anguish of the malevolently accused.

I laud Sen. de Lima for her fortitude and indomitable spirit for fighting for her liberty without accepting the authority’s condescending offer of hospital or house arrest.

Moreover, I also salute her supreme sacrifice and steadfast advocacy for all the victims of injustice and oppression, and also for Filipinos whose freedoms are trampled on by the brokers of power.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN