De Lima says she receives comfort from ‘woke’ Filipino youth

Senator Leila De Lima on Monday said she receives comfort in times of trials by the “woke” or socially aware Filipino youth of today.

“If there is one thing that gives me comfort in these times of trials, it is knowing that the Filipino youth are probably the most ‘woke’ or socially aware demographic in our society today,” the senator wrote in a letter sent to some students.

In a handwritten letter dated October 15, the detained senator said she was happy to receive around 75 letters from Grade 9 Students of St. Theresa’s College in her detention quarters in Camp Crame.

“I’m overwhelmed with joy upon reading your letters. I have read each and every one, and I am struck by the candidness, empathy, and social awareness apparent from them. I guess it is what some members of your generation refer to as being ‘woke,’” she said.

De Lima reminded Theresians to remain strong amid challenging times: “Please hold on to that feeling – that combination of certainty, positivity, faith, self-confidence, and surrender to God’s will – as you grow older. As I have experienced, life can be tough sometimes, but even the toughest times will soon pass.”

The senator, one of the most tenacious critics of the Duterte administration, also took the opportunity to reiterate her innocence from drug charges.

“I only have my word and the truth in my defense. And I have to keep the faith that justice will be done. That my innocence will prevail over the self-serving lies of self-confessed drug lords, to whom they have promised immunity and privileges in exchange for their false testimony against me,” she added. /ee