Outgoing Vice President Leni Robredo visited her party-mate Senator Leila De Lima at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame on Friday, June 10.
According to de Lima’s office, both Bicolana public servants spent several hours catching up with each other and discussed important matters.
In a separate statement, de Lima confirmed Robredo’s visit and said they had a “marvelous time sharing stories and insights.”
Robredo, who ran for president in the last May 2022 elections but lost to now President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., talked about the recent positive developments regarding her drug cases.
De Lima ran for reelection under Robredo’s team but lost in her senatorial bid.
“We talked about the very inspiring people’s campaign of Team #LeniKiko, Jillian's graduation and her recent US trip with her daughters, and the upcoming launching of the Angat Buhay NGO (non-government organization). We also touched on the recent positive developments in my cases,” she said.
“Talagang nakatataba at nakagagalak ng puso na makasama at makausap si VP Leni. Walang mababakas na sama ng loob, kundi katatagan at kapanatagan (It was really heartwarning to be talk and be with VP Leni. You won’t see her holding any grudges but modesty and contentment),” de Lima added.
“Isang kaibigan at kapwa lingkod bayan na kailanman ay hindi nakalimot, kasamang nanindigan, at sa kabila ng lahat, sa kahit anumang pagkakataon, walang dalawang-isip na inaalay ang sarili para sa Pilipino at sa Pilipinas (She is a friend and a fellow public servant who never forgets, and somebody who stood by me, and despite everything in any situation, she never thought twice about offering herself for the Filipino people and for the Philippines),” the lawmaker stressed.
“I wish her all the best!,” she further said.
De Lima, a vocal critic of President Duterte has been in jail since February 2017 over allegations she is involved in the illegal drug trading inside the New Bilbid Prison (NBP) during her stint as Justice secretary.
She has since repeatedly denied the allegations. Recently, witnesses who testified about her involvement in illegal drug recanted their testimonies.