De Lima’s birthday wish: More fortitude to continue defying oppressors

Photo from the office of Sen. Leila de Lima

Senator Leila De Lima, who is turning 59 on Monday, said she only wishes to have more courage to continue the fight against the injustices that were done to her and to others.

“My birthday wish is to have more fortitude to keep defying and resisting my oppressors,” De Lima said in a statement from the Philippine National Police Custodial Center on Sunday.

“I also wish for more fortitude to keep fighting the injustices done not only to me but also to others. And more fortitude to carry on the torch of hope for my family, my staff and supporters,” she added.

This year, De Lima, one of President Duterte’s staunchest critics, said she will celebrate her birthday in a simple gathering with some close friends, colleagues, staff members, and family.

Last year, De Lima celebrated her birthday in detention, which was marked by a simple lunch and a thanksgiving mass officiated by Dagupan Bishop Socrates Villegas, along with Fathers Albert Alejo, Robert Reyes, Hector Cañon and Flavie Villanueva.

On her birthday last year, the former chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights wished for “vindication and freedom” from what she called “trumped-up drug charges” filed against her.

To mark her second birthday in detention, the senator will launch her second book entitled “Fight For Freedom and Other Writings.”

The book contains a collection of writings, speeches, letters and notes about De Lima and her quest for freedom.

The book also carries the foreword by former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and statements and messages of support from Vice President Leni Robredo, former Hong Kong Legislative Council Member Emily Lau and Liberal International President Juli Minoves, to name a few. /je