’Twas Rep. Vargas in video–De Lima

SCREEN GRAB FROM YOUTUBE

SEN. LEILA de Lima on Thursday said she would not be cowed by what she described as “incessant vicious attacks” against her on social media.

“I don’t intend to dignify them by probing into who’s behind them and why,” De Lima said in a text message to reporters.

“It will just be a waste of time. Pinapa sa Diyos ko na lang mga ganyan (I leave it to God),” she said.

Rubbing elbows

De Lima was reacting to a viral video showing her supposedly rubbing elbows figuratively and literally with convicted drug lord Herbert Colangco at a party.

The senator had clarified the man in the video was not Colangco but Rep. Alfred Vargas.

De Lima said she was “practically defenseless” against the attacks on social media.

“My only defense is a clear conscience and my fidelity to the Constitution and the law,” she said.

“But if they think I will be cowed or intimidated, they’re grossly mistaken,” she added.

De Lima has filed a resolution in the Senate calling for an urgent investigation into the “rampant extrajudicial killings and summary executions of suspected criminals” in the country.