Former Senator Leila de Lima —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Leila de Lima on Christmas Day called on the public to offer prayers for the resolution of conflicts and justice for victims of violence and abuse.
“Let us include in our prayers the end of conflicts and turmoil that have claimed and continue to claim numerous lives, justice for victims of violence and abuse, and the safety, strength, and courage of everyone, especially those bereaved and far from family this Christmas,” said De Lima in her Christmas message.
“Let us remember and live out the teachings of Jesus Christ even beyond Christmas. Let us pray, come together, and act for a God-centered, just, and prosperous society,” she added.
De Lima also emphasized that the birth of Jesus Christ serves as a reminder of values such as humility, compassion, generosity, love, and the unity of family — further highlighting that with Jesus’ example, the life and well-being of every individual, especially the vulnerable, should be held in high regard and honored.
This year marks De Lima’s first Christmas outside the Philippine National Police Custodial Facility since her detention on February 24, 2017.
She was granted bail on November 13, 2023.
De Lima has already won two of three drug charges filed against her, which her camp has continuously maintained as “trumped-up.”
She won the first case through demurrer of evidence in February 2021 and the other through lack of merit of the prosecution’s case in May this year.
Both cases accused De Lima of being involved in the drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison.