De Lima turns 60 behind bars; Says no regrets in spite of ‘roller coaster life’
MANILA, Philippines — Describing herself as “wiser but humbler,” opposition Senator Leila de Lima expressed no regrets “in spite of a roller coaster life” as she turned 60 on Tuesday.
De Lima remains detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City over drug charges.
“Now wiser but humbler. Life’s detours and lessons have a palpable humbling effect,” she said in a statement.
“I will however remain defiant, fighting for the causes of truth, justice and human rights.” she quickly added.
The senator said never in her wildest imagination did she see herself turning 60 or becoming a senior citizen behind bars.
Still, she said, she is proud to reach such a milestone in her life, which she called a “turning point in a life of adversities, adventures and misadventures, successes and failures, and crises.”
“Aside from imagining myself as a card holder (which I cannot use anyway while I remain locked up), I’ll be reflecting on my life’s triumphs and failures. Saan ako nagkulang, saan ako sumobra o nagmalabis,” De Lima said.
“One thing is sure though – no regrets in spite of a rollercoaster life. It’s still a beautiful life, overall,” she added.
According to her office, De Lima will mark her birthday in an intimate gathering with family members, close friends and staff members, highlighted by a Mass.
The Mass will be officiated by Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr., along with Fathers Allan Castillo, Robert Reyes, Flavie Villanueva and Albert Alejo. Fathers Alejo, Villanueva and Reyes are De Lima’s spiritual advisers. /muf
