De Lima marks 59th birthday in jail with release of 2nd book

Detained Senator Leila De Lima will release her second book on Sunday to mark her 59th birthday — but she was not allowed to attend the book launch in Quezon City.

In her statement on Saturday, De Lima said her book “Fight for Freedom and Other Writings” is dedicated to Filipinos who believe in her “unjust” detention.

“To my oppressors, jailing me despite my innocence is your burden to keep. To the Filipino people: No matter the persecution, I will never stop fighting,” she wrote in its dedication page.

“[This book] is dedicated to family, friends, and supporters who cry out for my freedom,” she added.

De Lima will mark her birthday on August 27. According to the senator, it will be her second time to celebrate inside the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame where she is being detained for drug charges.

“Fight for Freedom and Other Writings” is a collection of writings, speeches, and letters about the senator, including those from Vice President Leni Robredo and other personalities, her statement read.

A foreword from former President Benigno Aquino III is also included in the book which has five parts: From my Desk, Freedom Fighters, Standing by my Innocence, Voices of Hope, and Truth be Told.

The book launch will be at 7 p.m. at the Sagul Malingap Food Park inside the Teacher’s Village. Expected to attend the launch will be De Lima’s former colleagues, relatives, supporters, and other human rights advocates.

De Lima released her first book, “Dispatches in Crame” in February 2018 to commemorate her first year in detention.  /muf

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