Former Senator Leila de Lima and Senator Risa Hontiveros during a presscon at Novotel after being granted bail by the Muntinlupa RTC on November 13, 2023. INQUIRER.net / NOY MORCOSO
MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Leila de Lima simply wished for God to forgive and bless former President Rodrigo Dutere for the charges against her that were allegedly fabricated during his administration.
After being granted bail, de Lima issued the message during a press conference in Quezon City.
“God forgive him and God bless him,” said De Lima when asked what her message is to Duterte.
De Lima said she has more she wishes to say, but opted to keep it simple and not too political in what she tagged as a “triumphant moment.”
“I don’t want to be political-sounding tonight, because this is a moment of joy. This is a triumphant moment for me, so as much as possible I want to be gracious, god forgive him and god bless him,” said De Lima.
“He knows what he did to me, I suppose,” she added.
Plans on counter-suing?
When asked if she plans to sue back those who put her behind bars, De Lima said she and her legal team are still in the middle of planning it.
“Wala muna kaming mga specific na mga pwede iannounce about that, there’s always that option, but as to definite plans pinaguusapan ‘yan,” said De Lima.
(We don’t have any specifics to announce about that, there’s always that option, but as to definite plans we are talking about that.)
“I need to do something also, a lot of things to do. Hindi po madali, napakahirap masakit talaga ‘yung ipakulong ka ng wala kang kasalanan (It’s not easy, it’s really painful to be imprisoned when you’re innocent) and it’s a matter of justice that those that need to be held accountable should be held accountable,” she added.
READ: Leila de Lima acquitted in 2nd drug case
De Lima was granted bail by the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court for her remaining drug case.
READ: Greatest frame-up’ unraveling – De Lima lawyer
She has been detained since February 24, 2017 — for drug charges which her camp said were “trumped up” — just months after launching a Senate inquiry into President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.