Press Release
August 27, 2019

'Wiser but humbler' De Lima turns 60, proud senior citizen

Expect a wiser but humbler Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima as she celebrates her 60th birthday today (Aug. 27), elevating her to the ranks of senior citizens in the country.

"Now wiser but humbler. Life's detours and lessons have a palpable humbling effect," De Lima said in a statement when asked how it would be like when she turned 60. "I will however remain defiant, fighting for the causes of truth, justice and human rights." she quickly added.

The lady Senator from Bicol said that never in her wildest imagination did she see herself turning 60 or senior citizen behind bars. Still, she's proud to reach such a milestone in her life, which she called a "turning point in a life of adversities, adventures and misadventures, successes and failures, and crises."

"Aside from imagining myself as a card holder (which I cannot use anyway while I remain locked up), I'll be reflecting on my life's triumphs and failures. Saan ako nagkulang, saan ako sumobra o nagmalabis," she stressed.

"One thing is sure though - no regrets in spite of a rollercoaster life. It's still a beautiful life, overall," said De Lima, who will be celebrating her third consecutive birthday at the PNP-Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

De Lima will mark her birthday in an intimate gathering with family members, close friends and staff members, highlighted by a Holy Mass.

The Holy Mass will be officiated by Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr., along with Fathers Allan Castillo, Robert Reyes, Flavie Villanueva and Albert Alejo. Fathers Alejo, Villanueva and Reyes are De Lima's spiritual advisers. Considered as the staunchest critic of the Duterte government, she has stood up against the rampant extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses against the Duterte regime.

In an effort to silence her, the government filed trumped-up drug charges against her using convicted criminals and drug lords as witnesses.

Even in detention for more than two years, De Lima never wavered in her fight as she continues to speak out against the injustice and excesses under the Duterte regime.

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