Sen. Leila de Lima. Image from her Twitter account
MANILA, Philippines — On her fifth Christmas in detention, Senator Leila De Lima wished for freedom from the drug charges against her and for the country to recover from the recent series of crisis it faced.
De Lima will celebrate Christmas with select family members who are expected to visit her at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“Bukod sa aking agarang paglaya at pagkakataong makapiling ang aking mga anak, apo, kapatid at inang may sakit, dalangin ko rin po ang paglaya ng bansa mula sa krisis, pagbangon mula sa mga nagdaang delubyo at pagpapanagot sa mga pinunong umabuso, nagpabaya at nagtraydor sa Pilipino,” De Lima said in a statement.
(Aside from my freedom and chance to reunite with my children, grandchildren, siblings, and my sickly mother, I pray for the recovery of the country from the crisis and recent calamities it faced, and accountability from abusive leaders who betrayed Filipinos.)
De Lima likewise reminded Filipinos that they can survive challenges if they are united and have faith.
“Bitbit ang diwa ng Paskong puno ng pag-asa, mangarap tayo, kumilos at magpasya sa susunod na taon, para sa marangal na kinabukasan. Bawat pagsubok ay kaya nating lampasan, basta’t tayo ay nananalig at nagkakaisa,” De Lima said.
(Together with the spirit of Christmas full of hope, let us dream and decide next year for a better future. We can pass every hurdle as long as we believe and unite.)
“Isang taos puso ring pasasalamat sa lahat ng mga nanguna at nagbubuhos ng oras, lakas at dedikasyon para makatulong sa kapwa,” she added.
(I would also like to thank those who led and gave time and dedication to help others.)
This is De Lima’s fifth Christmas in jail since she was detained on February 24, 2017.
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