Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Justice Secretary Leila De Lima turned emotional on Thursday (September 24) as she delivered her last State of the Department Address — a report of her agency’s accomplishments so far.
But there was no talk of politics even as she had been identified by the Liberal Party to be part of its senatorial lineup.
Related: Drilon, source jump gun on De Lima’s senatorial bid
She said the Department of Justice (DOJ) had regained the people’s trust — brought about by what she called “katarungan ramdam ni Juan at Juana” or justice for ordinary citizens.
“In the more than five years as your secretary, I am proud to have served and fought for the Filipino people, alongside all of you,” De Lima said. “I could not have wished for a more dedicated and professional corps of workers for justice, who will continue to do the work I will leave behind.”
She then enumerated the high-profile cases handled by the DOJ, such as the Atimonan massacre, Balintang Channel incident, Aman Futures Scam, illegal recruiters of Mary Jane Veloso, the pork and Malampaya fund scams.
She also mentioned the pending complaint against Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) leaders wherein she added that “the department has been accused of violating religious freedom.”
“In standing our ground, we were only guided by these principles: equal protection of the law and justice for al,” she said.
For her, the Maguindanao massacre was the most challenging case she had handled.
But the job wasn’t over for her.
Earlier in the day, De Lima created a 16-man panel of prosecutors and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents to look into lumad (native) killings.
This was in line with President Benigno Aquino III’s order to probe supposed atrocities on indigenous peoples in Davao City, Davao del Norte, Bukidnon and Surigao del Sur.
She added the team would file cases based on its findings.
But Renato Reyes, Bayan secretary general, said lumad victims expected cases would be filed during De Lima’s remaining days at the DOJ.
