14/11/23 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 14 November, the European Union welcomed the decision taken the previous day by Section 206 of the Regional Court of First Instance in Muntinlupa, Philippines, to grant bail to former senator Leila de Lima, after six years in prison, in the latest criminal case against her. “This decision is an important step for the rule of law in the Philippines and for taking into account the conclusions of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention”, says a press release from the European External Action Service (EEAS). It is now calling for a rapid resolution of the remaining charges and for the Philippine government to ensure the safety of the former senator when she is released. The EU also reiterates the importance of the independence of the judiciary and everyone’s right to due process. (PLD)