De Lima supports Cordillera's quest for autonomy, urges citizens to fight tyranny

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has expressed support to the Cordillera Administrative Region's (CAR) long-standing call for genuine autonomy that would allow its people to exert their right to self-determination and fight off any attempts by the Duterte government to intimidate them.

In her message read during the celebration of the 34th Cordillera Day, De Lima vowed to help promote the welfare and protect the rights of the people in the region.

"Makakaasa kayo sa aking suporta sa paglalatag ng mas malawak na oportunidad sa rehiyon, gayundin para sa isang mas mapayapa at mas maunlad na Cordillera na hangad nating ipamana sa mga susunod pang henerasyon," she said.

"Ito nga po ang mga isyung dapat tutukan ng gobyerno, hindi lamang ang pekeng Drug War, kung saan inaabswelto lang naman ang mga tunay na kriminal at drug lords," she added.

The Cordillera Day celebration, spearheaded by the Cordillera Peoples Alliance, Tongtongan Ti Umili-CPA Baguio and Ibagiw organization, was held at Pacday Quinio Elementary School, in Baguio City, on April 23.

Autonomy advocates have long insisted that establishing an autonomous region for Cordillera can help the people, especially those in the remote villages, escape poverty.

To pursue an inclusive growth that is genuinely beneficial to all, De Lima urged the citizens from Cordillera to persistently defend their rights and liberties against a leader like Duterte, who only cares about his personal and political gains.

"Sa halip na sagutin ang kritisismo sa kanyang baluktot na polisiya at mga katiwalian sa kanyang rehimen, todo daldal lang itong si Duterte. Nag-iingay para maiba ang usapan. Puro kabastusan. Puro palusot, pagmumura at kasinungalingan," she said.

"At kung mananahimik nga lang po tayo, lalo lang siyang aabuso, lalo na ngayon na niluluto na ng kanyang mga kaalyado ang Cha-Cha at Pederalismo," she added.

De Lima reiterated the need for people's concerted efforts in speaking out against political persecution, fake news, and killings under the Duterte regime.

"Malinaw po: Walang mangyayari kung manhid na nga ang ating gobyerno, ay kukunsintihin pa natin sila sa ating pananahimik at pagwawalang-kibo.

Despite the continued political persecution against her, De Lima promised she "will continue to speak out for the truth and stand up for justice, human rights and democracy."