Supporters and friends attend a thanksgiving Mass for former Senator Leila de Lima as she celebrates her one month of freedom with the theme 'Leila Laya Na' at Cubao Cathedral in Quezon City on December 13, 2023.  Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday it is still unclear if any legal remedy will be filed against the acquittal of former Sen. Leila de Lima in her last illegal drugs case.

• De Lima acquitted on last of three drug cases 

In a statement, DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla called the decision of Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 Presiding Judge Gener Gito the “conclusion” of the proceedings as he also hoped for "healing."

“It is our hope that the conclusion of these proceedings will allow healing and the continuation of constructive dialogue on matters of justice and human rights,” Remulla said. 

Asked if any legal remedy will still be filed, there is “no advice yet”, according to DOJ Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez. 

Government prosecutors led by Prosecutor Ramoncito Ocampo said last Monday that they will exhaust all legal remedies after failing to convict de Lima. 

Remulla also underscored that the decision of the court is proof of the fairness and efficiency of the country’s criminal justice system under the Marcos administration. 

“This court ruling is a proof of the country’s working justice system under the Bagong Pilipinas governance,” Remulla said.

De Lima, however, told the media after her acquittal that she will help in the International Criminal Court's (ICC) probe against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

• De Lima tells Marcos: 'Aid' enforcement of possible ICC arrest vs Duterte

“And kaya nga yung naging mensahe ko kay Ginoong Duterte, siya ngayon ang mananagot, kailangan panagutin dahil wala namang nangyayari dito sa Pilipinas. Kaunting kaunti lang yung napo-prosecute at naco-convict,” De Lima said.

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