Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 21) — Senator Risa Hontiveros is happy that embattled Senator Leila de Lima is seeking re-election, but said it could be difficult for her as she is detained.
“Ngayon pa lang, napakahirap ng sitwasyon ni Sen. Leila at nitong mga nakaraang taon dahil di makatarungan siyang nakabilanggo,” Hontiveros said at a virtual briefing on Wednesday.
[Translation: Sen. Leila’s situation right now is very difficult as she has been unjustly detained these past years.]
De Lima made the announcement on social media on Wednesday morning, saying she would not be giving up despite challenges.
Hontiveros, however, acknowledged it would be difficult for the embattled lawmaker to campaign, especially during pandemic.
“Pero nakita naman natin nitong nakaraang halos kalahating dekada kahit hirap ang kanyang sitwasyon, andun pa rin ang kanyang fighting spirit, buhay na buhay,” she said. “Tumtitindig ako sa tabi niya at sumusuporta sa kanyang susunod na yugto pa sa mahabang laban na ito.”
[Translation: But we have seen in the nearly half a decade that, despite the difficulties, her fighting spirit is very much alive. I am standing by and supporting her in the next stage of her fight.]
In a separate briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said de Lima is free to pursue re-election but he disagreed that she has been subjected to political persecution, but to “heinous crime of drug pushing and drug trading.”
“Kung tatakbo siya, that’s her right hanggang hindi pa siya convicted with finality. Sana hindi siya ma-convict with finality bago dumating ang eleksyon,” he said.
[Translation: If she will run, that is her right until she is convicted with finality. I hope she is not convicted with finality before the elections.]
Detained Senator Leila de Lima announces reelection bid: "Tatakbo akong muli. Hindi ako susuko. Tuloy ang laban.” https://t.co/QnK25beIAb
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) July 21, 2021
