Pimentel hits EU Parliament call for De Lima’s release

Senate Pres. Aquilino Pimentel III on Friday denounced a European Parliament report calling for the immediate release of detained Sen. Leila de Lima noting that they should “mind their own business”. (Photo: Senate President Koko Pimentel/ Facebook)

MANILA—Senate Pres. Aquilino Pimentel III on Friday denounced a European Parliament report calling for the immediate release of detained Sen. Leila de Lima noting that they should “mind their own business”.

“The EU Parliament should know its place in the world. It has no right to manage Philippine affairs hence much more no right to micro-manage our country,” Pimentel said in a text message sent to media.

EU Parliament’s report also cited how De Lima was removed from her position as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights last Sept. 19, 2016. De Lima was replaced by Sen. Richard Gordon.

It said that they would “closely monitor the case against De Lima” and “support the establishment at the UN Human Rights Council.”

“…Please mind your own business and don’t ever tell the Philippine Senate on who should chair any of its committees,” the Senate President added.

Pimentel acknowledged that while parliaments are free to air their sentiments, they should stop inferring with internal affairs.

“Parliaments are free to air their sentiments on various issues worth commenting on from their own point of view but they should refrain from interference in internal affairs by commenting on and worse demanding the reversal of certain actions taken by sovereign nations,” Pimentel said.

He further said that the EU Parliament has “crossed the line” and urged them to “step back and do some soul searching.”

De Lima, former Justice Secretary and Human Rights Chair, was arrested and detained on February 24, 2017 for drug trafficking charges.