Press Release
August 18, 2019

De Lima thanks sorority sisters for standing by her, believing in her innocence

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has thanked her sisters at the Lambda Rho Sigma Sorority for believing in her innocence from the trumped-up charges filed by the administration using convicted criminals as witnesses.

"I would like to thank all of you for standing by me and believing in my innocence. For I am innocent," De Lima said in her message of solidarity delivered during the celebration of the sorority's 36th founding anniversary.

"As your sister and as a founding member of this sorority, you, of all people would readily know that any imputation of me being involved in the drug trade are not just acts of political persecution, but exceedingly absurd ones," De Lima added.

In her message delivered during Saturday's event at Okada Manila Ballroom 2, De Lima said it would be impossible for her to hide a secret life of crime to her sisters in life and in legal profession, especially to those who have known her since their days as students.

De Lima also expressed gratitude for the sorority's continued support amid the trials in her professional life as public servant, as a daughter, a mother and a grandmother "deprived of living a normal, happy life with my loved ones."

"As my younger sisters whom I deeply care for, I will always welcome you with open arms. I look forward to the day when we can be reunited under better circumstances, celebrating my freedom and vindication," said De Lima.

The lady Senator from Bicol also extended her congratulations to her sisters, some of whom are elected officials, appointed judges, and newly minted lawyers, wishing them all the best in their collective and personal endeavors.

De Lima, a lawyer by profession, also called on her sisters to uphold the truth and the rule of law amid the oppression of women who are critical of the current regime.

Throughout all these years, what has remained constant is that our sisterhood stands for the empowerment of women in society, which is made most meaningful during times when brave defenders of the oppressed and victimized are most needed," De Lima stressed.

"Tayo ang mga kababaihan na hindi umaatras sa hamon na itaguyod ang tama at mabuti sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Patuloy pa nating suportahan at palakasin ang bawat isa upang magsilbi tayong tagapagtanggol ng mga inaapi at nangangailangan sa lipunan," she added.

She also urged her sorority sisters to make the necessary sacrifice to give future generation of Filipino a better future and a humane and just society that upholds the rule of law and shuns tyranny.

"Our future generations of sisters, and our sons and daughters will not be victims by their own government or second-class citizens in their own homeland," De Lima emphasized.

De Lima has repeatedly maintained her innocence from the fabricated charges, expressing belief that the truth will finally come out amid the lies being concocted by the government using mainly convicted criminals as witnesses.

(Access the full text of Sen. De Lima's message during the celebration of the Lambda Rho Sigma Sorority's 36th founding anniversary here: https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/message_of_sen._leila_m._de_lima_for_lambda_rho_si)

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