JUST IN: US President Donald Trump has signed into law 2020 US budget which includes provision banning from entering the US those who jailed PH Senator Leila de Lima. 
LOOK: Initial list of those officials allegedly involved in the arrest and detention of opposition Sen. Leila de Lima, which she mentioned in an earlier press release.
JUST IN: Detained Sen. Leila de Lima releases statement thanking US Congress for passing the amendment banning entry into US of those behind her arrest and detention, which US President Donald Trump signed into law.
Says signing into law of amendment shows "impunity cannot last and justice will catch up with those who choose to do injustice to others." Says US govt recognizes her as clear victim of political persecution.
De Lima also mentions a separate US Senate panel resolution calling on Pres Trump to implement sanctions under Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which also includes freezing, forfeiture of US assets, properties, bank accounts.
De Lima: Once implemented, we will witness how the world of human rights violators in the PH govt increasingly shrinks. This will teach them that human rights is not a domestic but a universal interest that affects security of nations.
De Lima: Sytemic and widespread violation of human rights like what we have experienced under the Duterte regime is not an exercise of sovereignty or independence. It is a crime against humanity that must be condemned and punished...
De Lima: It is only a matter of time before the European Union, Canada and other nations follow suit in imposing sanctions on Duterte, his officials and their cohorts.
Human rights is fighting back! Accountability is coming!
A most wonderful Christmas blessing!
Human rights is fighting back! Accountability is coming!
A most wonderful Christmas blessing!
Justice Sec Menardo Guevarra on US ban on those behind De Lima arrest:
i will leave it to our foreign affairs secretary to comment on this development. this issue is much bigger than the prosecution of senator de lima on drug charges under philippine laws.
i will leave it to our foreign affairs secretary to comment on this development. this issue is much bigger than the prosecution of senator de lima on drug charges under philippine laws.
In a series of tweets, PH Foreign Affairs Sec Teddy Locsin Jr. tells ABS-CBN News De Lima challenged the sufficiency of the charges but lost 2x, decided by Supreme Court composed of honour grads vs US senators of "varied talents.
Locsin also says the only way for accused to go free is after trial. Resolutions from legislature/executive whether native or alien are of no moment. Says US can refuse visas to anyone in the same way PH deported a nun, as a matter of sovereignty.
