De Lima les motion for reconsideration on junked bail petition

MANILA — Former Sen. Leila De Lima has filed a motion for reconsideration before a Muntinlupa court on its decision to deny her bail on the last of her drug cases.

In a filing before Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 256, De Lima said through counsel that the court had “committed grave but reversible errors” in its June 7 decision to reject her petition for bail.

The court had denied De Lima bail, saying the prosecution had presented strong evidence against her. De Lima said the court had only considered the testimonies of prosecution witnesses and not the cross-examinations and arguments raised by her defense team.

“It must be emphasized that at this point of the trial, almost a dozen witnesses were already presented by the Prosecution and cross-examined by all the accused,” her lawyers said.

He also issued a message saying in part: “Let us assert our liberty day by day. In everything we do, let us pursue excellence and integrity with the knowledge that we are living out the visions our predecessors held on to and the comfort they toiled for.”

‘Unfreedoms’

The president further noted in his speech that there are “corrosive, political and social conditions that make the nation not as free as we would like to profess and to believe — such as poverty, inadequate economic opportunities, disabling rather  PAGE 2

Countries greet PH on 125th Independence Day

by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

FOREIGN nations sent messages of congratulations to the Philippines on its Independence Day, with U.S. State Secretary State Antony Blinken acknowledging the historic event as part of “shared sacrifices that form the foundation” of his country’s alliance with the Philippines.

“We have accomplished much together, and I am confident we will continue to collaboratively confront the most pressing regional and global challenges,” Blinken said.

“Best wishes to the people of the Philippines for a joyous Independence Day,” he said.

U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson tweeted “Happy 125th Independence Day to all of our Philippine #FriendsPartnersAllies.” Japan, Canada and France also congratulated the Philippines on its Independence Day.

Mabuhay! Happy 125th Independence Day! I join all Filipinos in celebrating this auspicious day. As like-minded nations, may our ties continue to champion peace and democracy – values that this day represent! May our solidarity flourish for everlasting peace & prosperity,” Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshi-