De Lima to seek Senate reelection in 2022 polls

Senator Leila de Lima leaves the Manila Doctors Hospital after undergoing several medical tests during her three-day emergency furlough. Contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Leila de Lima will seek re-election in the national polls next year, saying her “unjust detention” only pushed her to fight for her advocacies.

In announcing her reelection bid Wednesday, De Lima said she seeks to indict President Rodrigo Duterte over his unfulfilled promises.

“Marami ang nagtatanong sa akin kung sa kabila ng pagyurak na ginawa mo sa akin ay may lakas pa ako ng loob na muling tumakbo bilang Senador sa 2022,” De Lima said in a statement.

(Many have been asking why do i still have the strength reelection in 2022 despite all the attacks against me?)

“Tatakbo akong muli. Hindi ako susuko. Tuloy ang laban. Sisingilin ka namin sa anim na taon na pambabalasubas mo sa aming bansa,” De Lima added.

(I will run again. I will not surrender. The fight continues. We will go after you for the six years you have abused the country.)

The senator has been detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center since Feb. 24, 2017, for drug-related charges, which she has repeatedly denied.

De Lima is known to be one of the staunchest critics of the Duterte administration.

/MUF