Principled governance possible with Robredo, Pangilinan, Aquino wins

Former senator Leila De Lima talks to reporters outside the Muntinlupa City Hall of Justice in Muntinlupa City in this June 24, 2024 file photo after the court cleared her of the third and last charge of conspiracy to commit drug trading. —Inquirer photo/Grig C. Montegrande

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Leila de Lima who is vying for a congressional seat expressed confidence that a “principled governance” in the country is still possible with her colleagues Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV winning their senatorial bids, and former Vice President Leni Robredo winning her mayoral bid in Naga City.

De Lima made the pronouncement as she expressed thanks to all three, for standing beside her and her partylist, ML (Mamamayang Liberal), in their respective campaigns.

READ: 2025 Philippine Election Results: Partial and Unofficial Tally

“Ang tagumpay ninyong tatlo ay nagbibigay-lakas sa marami, at higit pa roon, nagbibigay-direksiyon,” said De Lima in a statement.

(The triumph of the three of you gives strength to many—and more than that, it provides direction.)

“It affirms that governance can be principled, that politics can be humane, and that public service remains a noble calling,” she added.

De Lima said Pangilinan, Robredo and Aquino’s victories “inspired,” further proving that Filipinos remain discerning and are ready to support leaders with good track records and principles.

She then recalled how Robredo, Pangilinan, and Aquino’s desire to serve shined during their campaigning, with the three consistently bringing their convictions in “spaces where resources were modest.”

With this, she then vowed that the fight would continue, this time in the Senate, House of Representatives and the local government.

“Bitbit natin ang panata sa bayan. Panata para sa hustisya. Para sa reporma. Para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” she added.

(We carry our vow to the nation. A vow for justice. For reform. For every Filipino family.)

De Lima is running for a seat in the House of Representatives as the first nominee of the ML partylist.

As of 10 p.m., her partylist places 14th with 541,142 votes, garnering 1.32 percent of the total party-list votes.

Despite not yet reaching the 2 percent to win a guaranteed seat in the lower chamber, the ML partylist is still likely to win a seat. /cb