“Always fight for what you believe is right and just.”
This is one of the lessons that my late father, former Commission on Elections Commissioner Vicente de Lima, taught me and my siblings. His discipline, dedication and courage served as my inspiration in pursuing the law profession and a career in public service.
This is why during special occassions like Father’s Day, especially in my current situation, I tend to be engulfed by deep sorrow as I remember our fondest memories. But, during times of hardship, I also remember how my father mentored me to become a strong individual, one who never falters even in the face of greatest adversity.
It is for the honor of my father, and the good name of our family, that I choose to be defiant, relentlessly fighting for my innocence, justice and human rights. Though he may no longer be with us, I know that he still guides and protects me and our family. I am sure he is up there in heaven rooting for me, as he had always done.
Ang paghanga ko sa aking daddy, ang siya ring paghanga ko sa mga tatay at maging sa lahat ng tumatayong ama sa bawat pamilya, na walang pagod na nagsasakripisyo at gumagabay sa kanilang anak para magkaroon ng maginhawang buhay, lumaking may dignidad, malasakit at paggalang sa karapatan ng kapwa.
Kaakibat ng okasyong ito para sa mga ulirang ama, atin ding kinokondena ang mga pinuno, na naturingang ama ng mamamayan, na pasimuno pa ng kasinungalingan, karahasan at araw-araw na patayan.Kaisa ang mga huwaran at disenteng ama, patuloy sana nating ipagdasal at itaguyod ang kinabukasan ng ating pamilya at minamahal na bansa.