Robredo, fellow Bicolanos express support for De Lima's re-election bid

Vice President Leni Robredo, Iriga City Mayor Madel Yorobe Alfelor, and individuals from different sectors of Bicol have expressed their support for Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima's campaign for reelection for the 2022 national elections.

In her recorded message played during the launch of #LabanLeila2022 campaign volunteer network in Bicol today (August 24), Robredo, who, like De Lima, also hails from Bicol, said the Senator is never alone in her fight for justice, freedom and democracy.

"Hello sa mga bumubuo ng #LabanLeila2022 campaign volunteer network at congratulations sa inyong launch. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng ginagawa ninyo para kay Senator Leila, para sa bansa, para sa kapwa natin Pilipino," Robredo said.

"Patunay kayo na almost five years into her unjust detention, never mag-isa si Senator Leila. Wala sa ating nag-iisa at patuloy lang tayong dumadami, patuloy lang na lumalakas 'yung boses natin, patuloy lang tumitibay ang paninindigan sa tama, sa mabuti, sa makatarungan," she added.

Robredo further said that "history will remember this as a time of grave injustice not least because a person of great honor, courage and integrity like Sen. Leila has had to sacrifice years of her life in the name of truth and our rights."

Alfelor, for her part, thanked De Lima for the latter's unwavering love and concern for the people of Bicol.

"Grabe pong pagpayaba. Despite po ka sitwasyon mo, still ana puso mo sa mga Irigueños. Kaya ma'am saludo po kami ka nimo. Mabalos po. (Napakalaki po ng inyong pagmamahal sa amin. Sa kabila ng inyong kalagayan, nananatili sa inyong puso ang kapakanan ng mga Irigueño. Kaya ma'am, saludo po kami sa inyo)," she said.

The roll-out of #LabanLeila2022, which is comprised of volunteers from different sectors who committed their talents and resources to campaign for De Lima and support her advocacy while she remains under unjust detention, took place from 10:00 am to 12:00 nn with participants joining physically in Naga, as well as online via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Aside from Robredo and Alfelor, representatives from OFWs, youth, LGBTQI and religious sector, among others, also gave their respective messages of support for De Lima.

Meanwhile, in a message read by her relative, De Lima said she is grateful for the support she is receiving from her fellow Bicolanos, which inspires her to continue fighting the good fight.

"Dios Mabalos, Laban Leila Bicol. Your unfailing support has sustained my fighting spirit all through these years of incessant persecution," said De Lima.

"Thank you for believing in my innocence and for courageously declaring your support. Thank you for fighting with me. I am beyond grateful. Sobra-sobrang pasasalamat saindo gabos. Padagos an laban, mga kapwa ko Oragon!" (Tuloy ang laban, mga kapwa ko Oragon)" she added.

Last July 21 De Lima confirmed that she will seek reelection in the 2022 national elections in an indictment letter addressed to Mr. Duterte, stressing that the political persecution she has been subjected to by the Duterte regime only strengthened her resolve to fight for her advocacies.