In her interview with Pressenza journalist Perfecto Caparas, ex-senator Leila de Lima envisions a future characterized by her continuing fight for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
“There is this part of me that refuses to rest until the work of championing human rights, of defending our democratic system of government, and ensuring the supremacy of the Rule of Law, and transparency and accountability in governance are done.”
Perfecto Caparas (PC): What are your plans and visions for the future?
Leila de Lima (LDL): Whenever I think of the future, there are only two scenarios that come to mind. The part of me that is a daughter, a sister, a mother and a grandmother who wants to make up for all the time I could have spent with them that I lost while under unjust detention. I missed so many personal milestones, and I sometimes feel that I have more than earned a peaceful retirement. So that is one scenario that I constantly reflect on and most fervently look forward to.
On a personal level, my plan is to finally move on from the bogus cases filed against me. I am cautiously optimistic, that when all is said and done when the lies are exposed as they have started to unravel, the law will favor me and grant me the justice that has long been deprived to me.
Once I regain my freedom, I shall work to restore and build back my life which my oppressors had so cruelly disrupted.
I long to spend private quality time with family, especially with my 90-year-old, ailing and bedridden mother whom I have not seen for more than 3 years already. Will rekindle ties with relatives, family friends and old acquaintances. Will attend to pressing personal and financial matters.
On the professional side, I’ve began to reflect on my options – resume my law practice and teaching in law schools and/or go back to public service. Need to earn a living. Whatever is my choice for a renewed career, my advocacies would be a constant mission.
“Believe in your purpose. And believe that it is within your capacity to fulfill it. We are all placed on this earth for a purpose, and we have all been given both the capabilities and the opportunities to fulfill it.”
And that is the other scenario. There is this part of me that refuses to rest until the work of championing human rights, of defending our democratic system of government and ensuring the supremacy of the Rule of Law, and transparency and accountability in governance are done. That part is so innate to my being and upbringing, and something that has sustained me for the last 6 years, that it is not easily silenced and ignored. It is as immutable as my genetic makeup.
If I were to turn my back on that scenario, it would probably be because I either no longer see myself as able to make positive contributions to the cause, or if I am assured that there are more than enough people who are willing and able to fight the good fight in my stead. Honestly, I do not see either happening. I know that there are many defenders of human rights, democracy and the Rule of Law, but they all need all the help they can get from everyone – even and including from a senior citizen and a battered public figure like me.
In any case, these two scenarios stem from a single, unifying vision: it starts from my vindication. So, regardless of where the future might take me, it starts with my present fight for truth, and justice, and for the declaration of my utter and complete innocence. And while I can see that the fight is far from over, I can and do see the light at the end of the tunnel.
With truth on my side, I will never waver in my fight for vindication.
PC: Do you have any message for our readers?
LDL: Believe in your purpose. And believe that it is within your capacity to fulfill it. We are all placed on this earth for a purpose, and we have all been given both the capabilities and the opportunities to fulfill it.
When the going gets tough, it is ok to feel tired and to take a rest.
When we falter, it is ok to cry and, even, to momentarily feel sorry for ourselves. On the other hand, when we accomplish something, it is also ok to celebrate our good work and congratulate ourselves for a job done.
But, sometimes, the hardest part is the “in-betweens”, where there is a lot of uncertainty and obstacles where the path will lead. When that happens, it is ok to be afraid and to feel uncertain. It is ok to take a pause to get our bearings before we put one foot in front of the other without feeling like we are lesser for having hesitated. It is ok to take the time to assess and consider all our options without feeling like we are betraying ourselves or others.
All of those are our prerogatives as human beings. What is important is that, at the end of the day, we do what our conscience is telling us is the right thing to do, not just for ourselves but also for others, for whom we are responsible or are affected by our actions. Because there is no other way for us to know God’s plan, except to take the time to listen to that inner voice.
It is only when we betray our conscience that we betray ourselves.
Everything else is just being human, with all its ups and downs.
LEILA M. DE LIMA
7 December 2022
