Be not afraid, De Lima tells Filipino voters

As the election campaign ends today, Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has urged the Filipino voters to not let fear stand in the way of their fight for truth, democracy and good governance amid administration's efforts to intimidate critics and dissenters.

De Lima, a known election lawyer, said the Filipino electorate has the power to save democracy by supporting and electing honest and courageous candidates who value common good over selfish interests in the coming May 13 national and local polls.

"Hindi po ito ang panahon para matakot. Habang nangingibabaw ang ating pangamba na gawin ang tama at suportahan ang mga nararapat na kandidato, lalo lang nagkakaroon ng kompiyansa at lakas ng loob ang mga tiwali na makabalik sa poder, at muling makapang-abuso sa gobyerno," she said.

"Kung matatakot tayo, wala pong ibang kahahantungan ang ating bansa kundi ang mapasailalim sa isang diktador, at mga pinunong sunud-sunuran lang at tahimik sa mga kasinungalingan, karahasan, at kawalang hustisya," she added.

Mr. Duterte has not relent on his efforts to push for the senatorial candidates loyal to him and secure the majority of the Senate seats so that he can pursue his evil agenda in Congress without any contest.

More so, the President continues to instill fear among the populace by creating a toxic society where dissenters and members of the opposition are being attacked, vilified, and maligned, if not jailed and politically persecuted like De Lima.

"Let's take courage with us as we go to the polling center to vote. Bawat boto ay mahalaga. Each vote is a particle of the country's sovereignty. Let us then go out on May 13 and vote with our conscience," De Lima said.

The lady Senator from Bicol further maintained that government work, especially in the Senate which is considered as the last bastion of democracy, is serious business that requires more than the capability to speak flowery words before the public.

"Ang paglilingkod sa gobyerno ay di-birong obligasyon sa kapwa at bansa. Bahagi nito ang paglalatag ng mga programa at pangmatagalang solusyon sa mga problema ng mamamayan, lalo na ng mas nangangailangan," she said.

"Kaya huwag po sana tayong magpadala sa mga kandidatong idinaan lamang sa pekeng pangako at pagpapatawa ang kampanya - tulad ng pagbibiro, pagsayaw at pagkanta - pero wala namang nailatag na kongkretong plataporma at umiwas lang sa makabuluhang diskurso ng tunay na serbisyo-publiko," she added.

De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, has consistently reminded her countrymen to do their share - no matter how big or small - to ensure justice, peace and order, and integrity in government.

She has tirelessly supported Otso Diretso's senatorial slate, namely: Sen. Bam Aquino, Rep. Gary Alejano, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, civic leader Sam Gutoc, former solicitor general Florin Hilbay, election lawyer Romy Macalintal, former senator Mar Roxas and ex-Rep. Erin Tanada.