Former senator and ML (Mamamayang Liberal) Partylist first nominee Leila de Lima said securing a seat in Congress despite all odds proved that idealism and the truth can still make its way forward.
Manila Bulletin
Philippines
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De Lima says ML Partylist win proves 'idealism can still breakthrough' amid odds
Philippines
National
De Lima says ML Partylist win proves 'idealism can still breakthrough' amid odds
De Lima says ML Partylist win proves 'idealism can still breakthrough' amid odds
Published May 13, 2025 02:15 pm
At A Glance
- ML Partylist first nominee Leila de Lima emphasized that the win demonstrates that idealism and truth can still progress and make an impact within a system that often discourages such values.
- De Lima addressed her supporters and volunteers, underscoring that the battle for justice and reform does not conclude with a single campaign. She conveyed gratitude to them for their support and resilience throughout the campaign.
- De Lima reflected on her return to public service and the importance of carrying the trust, strength, and determination of her supporters into her work.
ML Partylist first nominee Leila de Lima (Photo courtesy of Leila de Lima)
In a message to volunteers and supporters of ML Partylist, De Lima said the fight for justice and reform is long and complicated, stressing it does not end with one campaign.
"It doesn’t end with one campaign. But this win—this hard-earned, against-the-odds win—proves that even in a system built to discourage idealism, idealism can still break through," De Lima said.
In her comeback in public service, De Lima said she carries the stories of her supporters and volunteers, their trust and strength, and their resolve to fight.
She told them to give themselves the chance to celebrate the hard-fought win.
"We made space where there was none. We proved that truth, even when battered, can still make its way forward," De Lima said.
'Thank you for standing with me'
In her message, the former senator thanked her supporters for "fighting alongside me."
"The results are still coming in, but already it is clear: ML Partylist will have a seat in Congress. This journey has been long and difficult, but today, we are here, celebrating a victory that was made possible by your strength, your courage, and your generosity," she said.
She recognized that their campaign was not easy as they have no machinery, very little funding, and none of the luxuries typically available to traditional political organizations.
"But it had something more powerful—people like you," she told them.
She acknowledged the people who carved out time from work, family, and rest to organize house-to-house efforts, design posters, prepare meals, manage social media, speak to strangers, and defend a cause that offered no guarantees.
"For nearly seven years, I lived behind bars for reasons that had nothing to do with justice and everything to do with power. I lost my freedom, but I held on to my voice," De Lima said.
"And now, because of your courage and commitment, that voice is returning to a space where it can help shape policy, demand accountability, and speak for those long excluded from the conversation," the former Justice chief said.