De Lima on Senate run: It depends on P-Noy

ALTHOUGH she’s among the top contenders for the Senate in a recent survey, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she hasn’t made up her mind yet about running.

“Honestly, I don’t have time yet to really focus on that or to really mull on that.  It’s too early, I think,  and I’m too busy to make a decision although there are people asking anywhere I go,” said de Lima.

De Lima was the guest of honor at  the graduation rites at the Indiana Aerospace University in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday afternoon.

She said she has to consult President Benigno Aquino III about any plans to enter politics.

“I have to take my cue from the President.  I have to see if it’s okay with him that I leave the executive branch of government,” she said.

De Lima ranked 12th place in the list of possible senatorial candidates in the Feb. 26-March 9 Pulse Asia survey.

In her speech in the graduation of 257 students, De Lima gave a glimpse of her life in the Department of Justice.

“The life of the secretary of justice is tough. I tried to avoid tempations (and) uphold the rule of law,” she said.

Asked if would seek a post in the 2013 elections, De Lima said “I really don’t know. Maybe, you ask me that three months from today.”

She  said the President would  be  a major influence in any political activity.

“I haven’t talked seriously about it with President Noy. He mentioned it once but that wasn’t the conversation I’m waiting for,” she said.

De Lima said she needed the President’s advice on whether to run next year.

She said she also has to consult her parents, close friends, and associates about her plans.

“Given  serious thought, definitely it’s going to be my decision,” De Lima said.

She said her visibility in the media would have been the reason she was chosen among the favorites in the survey.

“I always want to be sincere in what I do and adhere to my mandate,” de Lima said. Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol