MESSAGE FOR "KUMUSTAHAN SA HAPAG KAINAN"

My warmest greetings from my detention quarters here at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for being here. Even though it's the start of the weekend, you still chose to come tonight to express camaraderie and show your support and encouragement.

During these challenging times, this kind of gathering with kindred spirits further inspires me to continue fighting with high hopes. As some of you may realize, I have created many powerful enemies during my stint as Chair of the Commission on Human Rights, as Justice Secretary, and now as Senator. Pero ang higit na mahalaga, nariyan pa rin kayong aking mga kapamilya, mga dating kasamahan, mga tunay kong kaibigan, na handang kumalinga, magmalasakit at sumuporta.

Kilala niyo naman po ako. Noon pa man, ipinaglalaban ko ang pinaniniwalaan kong tama, makapangyarihan man ang aking makabangga.

No matter what the consequences are, I will continue to fulfill my job without sacrificing my principles and surrendering the causes I fight for. Di bale nang nakakulong ako ngayon, kaysa naman malaya nga ako pero sunud-sunuran lang naman sa kapritso ng isang mapaniil at abusadong pinuno. Mahirap man ang sitwasyon ko ngayon, mas nanaisin ko pang ganito, kaysa manahimik o magwalang-kibo sa kasamaan at kapalpakan ng kasalukuyang gobyerno.

Minsan nga, napapaisip ako: Sino nga bang nakakulong? Ako na sinisikap pa ring magsalita at lumaban sa kabila ng lahat ng pagsubok, o iyon bang nasa posisyon nga pero nababahag naman ang buntot na manindigan?

As brothers and sisters with a shared goal to fight for what is just and right, may we further strengthen our resolve to lead our nation back to the path of decency, mutual respect, and progress where no one is left behind.

Muli, maraming salamat, at isang mapagpalayang gabi sa inyong lahat!