U.S. Senator Durbin De Lima case 'important test' for PH democracy

MANILA, Philippines – US Senator Richard Durbin doubled down on his call to give detained opposition Senator Leila de Lima a fair trial, saying it would be an "important test" of democracy in the Philippines.

Delivering a speech before the US Senate, the Senate Democratic Whip once again urged the Philippine government to release De Lima or give her due process rather than threaten Americans with visa restrictions.

In the case of the Philippines, Durbin has led several efforts of US lawmakers to exact accountability from Philippine officials accused of violating the human rights of De Lima, extrajudicial killings in Duterte's landmark anti-illegal drug campaign, and involvement in the crackdown on press freedom.

Most recent of these efforts was his part in filing US Senate Resolution 142, which condemned De Lima's imprisonment and the harassment of media – particularly Rappler CEO Ressa and Rappler.