De Lima bares names of candidates she would vote for

Senator Leila de Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Four days before the May 13 polls, Senator Leila de Lima revealed the names of senatorial candidates that would earn her vote come election day.

Releasing her list which bore the names of the eight opposition candidates, De Lima said she is excited to vote on May 13.

Photo courtesy of Sen. Leila de Lima office

The names on her list are Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, reelectionist Senator Bam Aquino, human-rights lawyer Chel Diokno, civic leader Samira Gutoc, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, election lawyer Romy Macalintal, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, and former congressman Erin Tañada.

“I’m excited to cast my vote on May 13 and am looking forward to vote for honest and courageous candidates who, without any doubt, would keep the independence of the Senate and would resist to the President’s flawed policies,” De Lima said in a statement.

The senator said she has watched the eight candidates “carry themselves with dignity” and overcome the “challenges and rigors of the campaign.”

“I was impressed before, as I am now, and they surely get my vote of confidence,” she said.

De Lima also thanked the courts for allowing her to exercise her right to suffrage. On April 30, the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 205 granted the senator’s motion for furlough to allow her to vote.

She will cast her vote at the Santa Rita School in Parañaque.

READ: Muntinlupa court allows De Lima to vote

The senator vouched for the integrity and competence of the candidates as she said they would be “reliable defenders” in the higher chamber of Congress.

“I’m vouching for the integrity and competence of Otso Diretso candidates and I have no doubt that with their remarkable track record and competence, they will be our strong voices and our reliable defenders in the Senate,” she said.  /jpv