De Lima receives outpouring of support from leaders, artists, different sectors for re-election bid

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima received an outpouring of support from prominent leaders, artists, personalities and individuals from different sectors who participated in the virtual launching of #LabanLeila2022 campaign volunteer network today (Aug. 26).

#LabanLeila2022 is comprised of volunteers from different sectors who wholeheartedly committed their energy, talents, time and resources to mobilize the Filipino electorate here and abroad to support De Lima's re-election bid.

The launching, which is slated just a day short of De Lima's 62nd birthday tomorrow (Aug. 27), allowed personalities to deliver their messages of support for De Lima's re-election bid and extend their birthday greetings to the Senator as well.

Among the personalities whose recorded messages of support for De Lima were played during the launching were Angel Aquino, Cherry Pie Picache, Agot Isidro, and John Lapus.

"I want to thank you because even though they're keeping you away from everything that's valuable to you, you never stopped your fight and your service, so thank you so much Sen. Leila. Sana sa susunod mong kaarawan malaya ka na at sana malaya na tayong lahat mula sa virus na ito and from this government," said Aquino.

"Isa pong mapagpala at maligayang maligayang kaarawan Senator Leila de Lima. Bagamat mas lubos sana ang ating kasiyahan, patuloy po kaming nagdarasal na balang araw tunay na natin na makamit ang hustisya, ang katotohanan at iyong paglaya."

"Maraming maraming salamat Senator dahil hindi niyo po hinayaan ang inyong pagkakapiit na hadlangan ang pagbibigay niyo ng serbisyo ng tulong ng inspirasyon sa ating mga mamayan at sa ating bayan," said Picache.

Isidro, for her part, said De Lima has her full support for her re-election bid, saying, "maaasahan niyo po na ako ay nasa likod niyo, nasa tabi niyo, nasa harap niyo in your bid for a Senate seat. I just want to thank you for all that you do despite the hardships."

Lapus, meanwhile, told De Lima to keep the faith, saying, "I am praying na soon ay makamit niyo na po ang justice na deserve na deserve ninyo at makalaya na kayo at maipagpatuloy pa ang inyong mga gawain para sa sambayanang Pilipino at para sa buong Pilipinas."

Esteemed journalist and sociologist Prof. Randy David said he hopes that De Lima will remain strong amid her ordeal. "Umaasa akong mananatili kang malakas at matatag at hindi pababayaan ng Panginoon. Marami kang mga kasama, kapanalig, na humuhugot ng tapang at inspirasyon sa iyong katatagan. Karangalan kong mapabilang sa kanilang hanay," David said.

Aside from them, other public figures and well-known personalities who delivered their messages of support to De Lima include former peace adviser Teresita "Ging" Deles, Leo Martinez, Bodjie Pascua, Bibeth Orteza, and Dolly De Leon.

Likewise, representatives from Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid (SNPP), LGBTQIA+ community, riders, urban poor, senior citizens, PWD and the youth sector, also delivered their messages of support to De Lima. To show their support to the Senator, Ms. Pinky Amador sent a pre-recorded video reading a poem. Music videos from Musicians for Democracy, entitled "Sino ang Tutugon?" and performance from Ebe Dencel singing "Lakambini" were also played during the event. The launching was made more meaningful with the reading of De Lima's message by her relative Elaine Seranilla, wherein the Senator expressed her gratefulness for the outpouring of support she has been receiving.

"Maraming salamat, Laban Leila NCR. Maraming salamat sa mga sektor at grupo na nandito ngayon: ang sektor ng kababaihan na hindi na bumitaw sa laban; mga kasama natin sa SNPP, ang ating magigiting na PWDs, mga riders, urban poor, ang ating mga kabataan, ang LGBTQIA+ community, at mga aktibong-aktibo na mga senior citizens na katulad ko," she said.

"Maraming salamat sa pagturing ninyo sa akin na bahagi ng higit pang lumalawak na laban ng mamamayan para sa karapatang mamuhay nang malaya at may dignidad."

Prior to the NCR launch, #LabanLeila2022 campaign volunteer network launches in Cebu, Iloilo, and Bicol this month were also a success.

Watch the #LabanLeila Campaign Volunteer Network NCR Launching here: https://fb.watch/7CIdCuy5Vt/