Press Release
August 26, 2020

VP Robredo, Angel Aquino, Ebe Dencel, bishops to grace online community jamming marking De Lima's 61st birthday

Over 70 musicians, artists, leaders, religious and progressive groups, and ordinary Filipinos will partake in the online community jamming for freedom of thought and expression to celebrate the 61st birthday of Senator Leila M. de Lima on Aug. 27.

Dubbed as "Leilaya! Tinig at Musika para sa Diwang Malaya," the e-jamming organized by the Free Leila Movement (FLM) will feature performances from different artists such as Ebe Dancel, Bayang Barrios, Bituin Escalante, Ria Atayde, Miko Morales, Juan Miguel Severo, Angel Aquino, Michael de Mesa, and other high-caliber musicians and actors.

The artists will be joined by Senators Risa Hontiveros and Kiko Pangilinan, several religious leaders, including Archbishop Soc Villegas, Bishop Broderick Pabillo and Bishop Ambo David, and human rights lawyers Chel Diokno and Erin Tanada, who are all expected to give their greetings and solidarity messages.

There will be a special participation by Vice President Leni Robredo who will be delivering her message in support of the event and its message, which is slated from 8 pm to 11 pm.

In a statement, De Lima said she is thankful for the personalities who are expressing their support for her fight for freedom by joining the online jamming.

"This event is not about me but about our shared desire to fight for freedom under this vindictive regime. Despite my unjust detention, I keep a grateful spirit knowing that so many are in solidarity with my causes, believing in my innocence. Together, we can overcome the oppression," she said.

The online community jamming will be broadcasted via FM Station 87.9 in Radyo Katipunan and will be available for audience viewing through Facebook livestreaming of Free Leila Movement, the official Leila de Lima and Free Leila Committee FB pages. The livestreaming will be crossposted by many partner organizations.

This will be the fourth time that De Lima, the first and most prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, will celebrate her birthday inside her detention at the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame.

Last year, De Lima marked her birthday in an intimate gathering with family members, close friends and staff members, highlighted by a Holy Mass.

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