Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima expressed her appreciation to friends, volunteers and individuals and groups who tirelessly supported her reelection bid.
De Lima, who ran under the Robredo-Pangilinan ticket, said she continues to find strength from the people who never gave up in fighting for and with her.
“Gaya ng lagi, sa nakalipas na mahigit limang taon ng aking di-makatarungang pagkakulong, kumukuha ako ng lakas sa Diyos, sa aking pamilya, mga kaibigan, mga staff at supporters. Humuhugot ako sa inyo ng inspirasyon at pag-asa sa harap ng sanlaksang negatibismo at duda,” she said.
“Sa inyo pong lahat na bumoto, nangampanya, nagbahay-bahay, nagkabit ng mga tarp, namigay ng flyers, at nag-ambag ng oras, enerhiya at talento, ang aking walang hanggang pasasalamat.
“Mabigat po ang laban sa umpisa pa lang, pero hanggang dulo, hindi po ninyo ako iniwan. At sa lahat po ng may agam-agam sa umpisa, subalit nagawang magtiwala nang mamulat sa katotohanan, salamat din po. Nawa’y marami pa tayong maliwanagan at makasama sa laban,” she added.
While she described the journey for the past three months as “an uphill battle,” the lady Senator from Bicol stressed that she considers the experience as an “irreplaceable treasure.”
“I would not have been here as Senator without your help, hard work and sacrifices. And I would not have had the strength and courage to keep fighting without your support and faith,” she said.
“As I have said, win or lose, it is the compassion for each other and love for our country that matter–love that propels our shared causes, no matter the cost or consequences,” she added.
Ultimately, De Lima said she did not regret anything, stressing that she is still, and forever will be, thankful for the opportunity to serve the Filipinos.
“Mapapagod, pero hindi susuko. Magagalit, pero hindi mauubos ang pagmamahal sa bayan. Mangangamba at mag-aalala, pero hindi maduduwag na ipaglaban ang tama at makatarungan.
“I will continue to fight and fight more for Truth, Justice, and Freedom. Isang mahigpit na yakap, at taos-pusong pasasalamat sa inyong lahat,” she said.
De Lima, the most prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, has consistently and firmly asserted her innocence in the cases filed against her. Due to lack of evidence, one of the three trumped-up drug charges against her has already been dismissed, which she called a “moral victory.” The two other cases are still pending. (30)