'Laban Leila NCR' to launch ahead of De Lima's 62nd birthday

A day ahead of Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima's 62nd birthday, the #LabanLeila2022 campaign volunteer network will conduct its launching in Manila, tomorrow, Aug. 26, just after its successful launchings in Cebu, Bicol and Iloilo this month.

Messages of support and birthday greetings from well-known personalities, including Ms. Angel Aquino, Ms. Cherry Pie Picache and Ms. Agot Isidro, and esteemed journalist and sociologist Prof. Randy David, are expected to be played during the launching, which will have participants joining online via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Aside from messages from known personalities, statements from De Lima's supporters in the women LGBTQI, PWDs, elderly and urban poor sectors, are expected to be delivered, either online or in person, during the event.

The message from the Senator herself, meanwhile, will be read by one of her relatives.

#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.

Among those who will use their voice and talents to liven up the launch in Manila are actress-singer Pinky Amador, who is expected to read a poem, and the Team Leila Youth who will be performing an intermission number.

As with earlier launchings, a pre-recorded video from Musicians for Democracy, entitled "Sino ang Tutugon?" will also be played during the event.

The lady Senator from Bicol said the support she has been receiving from all her fellow democracy and freedom fighters is like an "early gift of sorts," saying that "no material things can replace the love people are showering me with."

"Sure, these are not the happiest of times, not the happiest of birthdays, but it sure is something worth remembering. I will always be thankful for my supporters, friends and allies for standing by and with me," she said.

It may be recalled that De Lima confirmed that she would seek reelection in the 2022 national elections in an indictment letter addressed to Mr. Duterte last July 21, where she stressed that the political persecution she has been subjected to by the Duterte administration only strengthened her resolve to fight for her advocacies.

De Lima's upcoming birthday will be her 5th birthday in unjust detention, having been detained since Feb. 24, 2017 over politically motivated and trumped-up drug charges.