Manila: State prosecutors will withdraw the motion for reconsideration they earlier filed asking the Muntinlupa court to revisit the acquittal of Makabayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima in a drug-related charge, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced.

According to Philippines News Agency, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon confirmed that prosecutors would retract the appeal. Fadullon stated that the motion should not have been filed initially, as pursuing it would constitute a case of double jeopardy. He also mentioned that the DOJ would proceed cautiously in addressing de Lima's call to sanction the prosecutors who challenged her acquittal.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla previously referred to the appeal as an act of foolishness by the trial prosecutors. Meanwhile, de Lima expressed gratitude towards the DOJ for its decision to retract the appeal. She commended Secretary Remulla for restoring order and raised concerns about the actions of certain prosecutors, urging the Justice Department to investigate and hold them accountable for allegedly abusing the justice system.