‘No’ to IPU demand on de Lima trial

When the Philippine government embarks on the formal trial of Sen. Leila de Lima for various charges in connection with the illegal drug trade at the national state penitentiary, the state is expected to perform a solemn act in keeping with its laws and its sworn duty under the Constitution. It must not be to put up a show for the whole world to watch. It is to administer justice.

It is, therefore, highly inappropriate when the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU), an unofficial club of parliaments from around the world, butts into the process even before it can take place. By demanding that de Lima should be released, opining that there is no proof of wrongdoing, and announcing that it will send to the country observers for the trial, the union gravely intrudes into the nation‘s business and derogates its sovereignty.