De Lima urges women to stand up for rights

Sen. Leila de Lima INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / LYN RILLON

On International Women’s Day, Senator Leila de Lima has urged women across the country to stand up against anyone that curses, shames and incites violence against them.

“We have proven to be resilient, strong and unbreakable. We can adapt and find ways to overcome difficult challenges. We should fight for our rights. We should speak and break free from stereotypes. Let us show our capacity to contribute in building a just and decent society for our future and for the generations to come,” she said.

De Lima made the remark in her written message for the SHEROES “Woman’s Night, Women’s Might” event held at the Palma Hall steps of the University of the Philippines-Diliman on Thursday.

Detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame, De Lima is facing illegal drug charges for her alleged involvement in the New Bilibid Prison drug trade. The case has been filed before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court.

The senator denied the charges hurled against her by the government, saying that she was only being politically persecuted for her stance against alleged extrajudicial killings.

“This is not my fight alone. This is a fight for every woman. This is a fight for every decent Filipino. Let us not allow fear or shame to silence us because anyone can be a victim of this cruel regime,” De Lima said. /jpv

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