On All Souls Day, De Lima urges Filipinos to remember value of human lives

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has reminded the Filipino public that as they pay homage to their departed loved ones, they should also reflect upon the value of human lives as the nation observes the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, pointed out that the commemoration of the "Days of the Saints and the Dead" is a good chance to reconnect with and affirm ties with their families and loved ones.

"Sa tuwing sumasapit ang panahon ng Undas, mayroon pong magkahalong lungkot at saya ang paggunita sa mga yumao nating mahal sa buhay. Lungkot na dala ng pangungulila sa pumanaw na kapamilya at kaibigan. Gayundin ang kasiyahan na dulot ng pagsasama-sama ng pamilya," she said.

"Kaakibat ng pagbibigay respeto sa ating mga namayapa, isabuhay din natin ang paggalang sa buhay ng ating kapwa. Patuloy po nating ipanalangin na makamit ng ating bansa ang kapayapaan na may katambal na pananaig ng katarungan," she added.

Every November 1 and 2, Filipinos gather in cemeteries to visit the graves of their loved ones and pay their respects by lighting candles, offering flowers, and praying for their souls.

De Lima noted that this is the third time for the Filipinos to commemorate All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day under the leadership of Mr. Duterte who has tolerated the rising death toll in the country as he continues his war on drugs.

"Sa kasamaang palad, sa halip na matigil na ang mga patayan, patuloy pang tumataas ang bilang ng mga biktima ng EJK. Bagay na lalong nagpapaalala at nagpapasariwa sa sakit na nadarama ng libu-libong ina, ama, asawa, anak at kapatid nilang naulila," she said.

She asked, "Ilang Undas pa kaya ang lilipas bago tuluyang maghilom ang mga sugat na dala ng kawalang hustisya? Ilang araw, buwan o taon pa ang hihintayin natin bago mahinto ang mga pagpatay sa ating bayan na labag sa batas at yumuyurak sa ating mga karapatan?"

With the alarming deaths recorded since Duterte assume presidency, De Lima said the Filipinos should not forget to pray for the thousands killed in the administration's bloody war on drugs as well as the victims of natural disasters.