“It’s official. There’s no backing out.”
This was what resigned Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima told the media on Thursday after filing her certificate of candidacy for senator in Intramuros, Manila.
De Lima, who will run under the Liberal Party-led “Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid,” said she was hoping that Filipinos will still put their trust and confidence on her, even if she will move to another branch of government.
“Tutuloy na po sa susunod na paglalakbay. Kung pinagkatiwalaan po ako ng taumbayan bilang chair ng Commission on Human Rights at DOJ secretary, panalangin ko po na pagkatiwalaan pa rin ako ng taumbayan dito sa akong paglalakbay from point J (justice) to point S (Senate),” De Lima told reporters at the Commission on Elections headquarters.
(Let’s continue to the next journey. If the public trusted me as chair of Commission on Human Rights at DOJ secretary, I pray that they also trust me in this journey from point J to point S.)
“Sa tingin ko po kasi naging kulang ang oras ng paninilibihan natin sa DOJ. Itutuloy ko lang po ang mga ipinaglaban ko,” she added.
(I think my time in serving the DOJ was not enough. I will just continue the things I’m fighting for.)
While saying that her legislative agenda is still a “work in progress,” the former justice secretary noted that she will be prioritizing anti-corruption efforts, reforming the criminal system, and protecting human rights if ever elected senator.
“Tatlo po ang aking isusulong na general agenda: justice and rule of law, anti-corruption, and championing of human rights.
(My general agenda consists of three things: justice and rule of law, anti-corruption, and championing of human rights.)
“Panahon na po para pasimplehin natin ang sistema sa pag-iimbestiga at pag-uusig ng mga tiwali. Panahon na rin po na magkaroon tayo ng opensiba laban sa korupsyon sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatibay ng sistema para hindi na makapagtago ng yaman ang mga tiwali,” she added.
(It’s time that we simplify the system in investigating corruption. It’s also time that we fight against corruption through strengthening the system so that the corrupt won’t be conceal any wealth.)
De Lima said she will prioritize the rights of the marginalized and disadvantaged “vulnerable sectors,” including women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disability.
“I am here and I am ready,” she said.
De Lima bade goodbye to the DOJ during the agency’s 118th founding anniversary in September. President Benigno Aquino III approved her resignation on Monday.
De Lima was replaced by chief presidential legal counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa as ad interim Justice secretary. JE
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