Former Senator Leila de Lima speaks at a gathering on December 29, 2023. (File photo from her Facebook page)
MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Leila de Lima asked Filipinos to remain strong and hopeful in the face of seemingly insurmountable trials.
According to de Lima, this is her first New Year celebration outside her detention cell in almost seven years of “unjust incarceration.”
“Mas espesyal nga po ang araw na ito dahil maipagdiriwang ko na ito nang malaya, at kasama ang aking pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay,” she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
(This day is more special because I will celebrate it free and with my family and loved ones.)
She then wished that people will be courageous in 2024 despite adversities and problems.
“Sa pagsapit ng Bagong Taon, ito rin ang hangad at dasal ko para sa lahat — ang mangibabaw ang ating tapang, lakas ng loob, pananampalataya at pag-asa, gaano man ito minsan kalabo o kalayong tanawin, para malampasan ang mga hinaharap at haharapin pang mga hamon at pangamba,” she said in her post.
(As the New Year arrives, this is also my wish and prayer for everyone — to let our courage, strength, faith and hope prevail, no matter how distant or unclear they may seem; to overcome what is being confronted and the challenges and uncertainties that will be encountered.)
The former senator, who is also a former justice secretary, also urged the public to be more compassionate.
“May the conflicts, violence, and greed come to an end; and may genuine peace, progress, and justice prevail,” she added in Filipino.
De Lima was freed on bail in November after being jailed in February 2017 due to drug allegations.
In recent statements and interviews, the former lawmaker said the time she spent in detention only made her stronger.