Celebrating Father’s Day here in my detention quarters always brings sadness and an unexplainable emptiness. I cannot help but reminisce my fondest memories with my father—my mentor and inspiration in pursuing law and entering public service.
It is especially during difficult times such as this that I miss his loving presence, which could have given me further strength and assurance to carry on and stay strong.
I can imagine him watching over me from heaven, feeling frustrated and proud at the same time—frustrated because of my sufferings and proud of me for not backing down.
I miss you, Daddy. We miss you so much. Kung maibabalik lang ang panahon para muli kang makasama, mahagkan at mayakap… Pero alam ko namang lagi kang nariyan, gumagabay at nagbabantay sa amin.
To my dear friends and countrymen: Happy Father’s Day to all! Make the most out of your time with your father and loved ones during this most special day.
A father is the frontliner in every home, the stronghold of every family, in these uncertain and perilous time. Let us honor all fathers with our love and esteem.
(Access the handwritten copy of Dispatch from Crame No. 827, here: https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatch_827)