Press Release
November 24, 2017

MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY TO THE INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES' SUMMIT ON RULE OF LAW, ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

I join my fellow lawyers in this noteworthy effort to remind our countrymen and the world that we still operate under the rule of law, and that we uphold human rights.

Today's event has the theme, "Pagtugon sa Hamon: A Call to the Rule of Law, Access to Justice and Human Rights."

This is succinctly put, because our rule of law, system of justice, and observance of human rights are indeed under attack. They are under attack by a person who preys upon the fears of our countrymen and uses the same fear to seize, consolidate and expand power. Under the pretense of peace and order, President Duterte established a dark culture of violence and terror against the poor, demonized dissent, ignored calls for accountability, and undermined the democratic institutions and officials that have dared to stand in his way.

This is indeed a challenge to us, as keepers of the law and workers of justice, to protect our countrymen against the abuses and excesses in the exercise of the awesome powers of the state, thus, ensuring that no matter how lowly and humble we are, every Filipino is assured of access to justice and guaranteed of respect for his or her human rights.

Alam natin bilang mga abogado at mag-aaral ng kasaysayan kung gaano nayurakan ang karapatang-pantao at gaano naghirap ang ating bayan mula sa diktadurya. Tayo, bilang isang bayan, ay nagsabing, "Hindi na muli! Hindi na kailanman!"

Nais kong hikayatin ang lahat na patuloy na magmasid, makialam, magsalita at manindigan. Igiit natin sa Pangulo at ipaunawa sa kanyang administrasyon na hindi tayo pumapayag na ipagwalang-bahala ang ating mga karapatan at isantabi ang ating mga batas. Ipaglaban natin ang demokrasya sa Pilipinas at ang dignidad ng Pilipino. We cannot just be victims of wrongs. We should be champions of rights.

It is said that the darkest times make the best heroes. To know that everyone here has showed up ready to work inspires hope during these trying times. Wala akong duda na ang ating mga pagsisikap ay magbubunga ng makabuluhang pagbabago para sa ikabubuti ng ating mga kababayan. To quote the American anthropologist Margaret Mead, "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Mabuhay ang mga manananggol ng bayan! Maraming salamat po.

LEILA M. DE LIMA

Custodial Center, Camp Crame
24 November 2017

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