De Lima celebrates freedom: It’s great to campaign in person
Erin Tañada, Leila De Lima and Teddy Baguilat formalize bid for House seats. INQUIRER.net file photo / John Eric Mendoza
MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Leila de Lima on Tuesday kicked off her congressional bid by celebrating her freedom, by finally campaigning in person, rather than as a standee.
De Lima made the pronouncement in a speech during the kickoff proclamation rally of senatorial candidates Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino at the Dasmariña Arena in Cavite.
“Malaya na ako, andito na ako (I am finally free, I am here),” exclaimed De Lima during her speech.
“Napakasarap mangampanya na hindi ka na standee (it feels great to campaign in person this time and not as a standee),” she added.
De Lima was detained for over six years from February 24, 2017, over what she and her camp tags as “trumped up” charges.
She was only finally freed when she was granted bail on November 13, 2023.
Even while detained, De Lima ran for reelection in 2022, and campaigned for then-Vice President Leni Robredo who was running for President and Pangilinan for Vice.
Despite losing in the previous elections, De Lima—this time seeking a congressional seat as Mamamayalang Liberal partylist’s first nominee—once again called on the voting public to vote for her.
READ: De Lima on choosing to run for House seat: Mahihirapan sa Senado
According to De Lima, her, Pangilinan and Aquino’s election bid represent the nation’s fight for justice and the pursuit for true leadership.
“Alam naman natin kung sino ‘yung mga naghahari-harian, hindi sila humaharap sa katotohanan, sa mga congressional hearings… mga guilty sila!” said De Lima in the same speech.
(We know who these rulers are, they don’t face the truth, nor the congressional hearings… they are guilty!)
She then vowed to champion the marginalized sectors in Congress and called on voters to bring back both Pangilinan and Aquino to the Senate.
“Kami ang sasangga sa mga nangaapi sa mga nasa laylayan; ang magiging malakas at matapang na boses para sa mga marginalized sectors,” De Lima said, referring to herself and fellow nominees Teddy Baguilat and Erin Tañada.
(We will support those who are oppressed and those who are at the bottom; will be the strong and courageous voice for the marginalized sectors.)
“Ibalik din natin sila Kiko Pangilinan [at Bam Aquino] sa Senado, sila ang karapat-dapat sa Senado,” she adds.
(Let’s also bring back Kiko Pangilinan [and Bam Aquino] to the Senate, they are the ones deserving to be in the Senate.)
