Leila de Lima and her Political Journey

Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa Magistrado de Lima, a Filipina politician, lawyer, and human rights advocate, has been a prominent figure in Philippine politics, albeit one consistently embroiled in controversy. Her career trajectory has been marked by a strong commitment to justice and reform, but also by intense political opposition and legal challenges.

De Lima initially rose to national prominence as the Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) from 2008 to 2010. In this role, she investigated alleged extrajudicial killings linked to then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-crime campaign. Her aggressive pursuit of these investigations laid the groundwork for a long and contentious relationship with Duterte.

Following her tenure at the CHR, De Lima served as the Secretary of Justice under President Benigno Aquino III from 2010 to 2015. During her time in office, she oversaw high-profile cases, including investigations into corruption allegations against prominent politicians. Her prosecutorial zeal and commitment to accountability earned her both admirers and detractors.

In 2016, De Lima was elected as a Senator of the Philippines. As a senator, she became one of the most vocal critics of President Duterte’s administration, particularly his “War on Drugs.” She consistently condemned the alleged human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings associated with the campaign, calling for independent investigations and accountability.

Shortly after assuming her Senate seat, De Lima faced a barrage of accusations, primarily related to her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade within the New Bilibid Prison during her time as Secretary of Justice. These allegations, presented by witnesses including convicted criminals, led to her arrest and detention in February 2017. She has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming the charges were politically motivated and designed to silence her opposition to President Duterte.

De Lima’s detention sparked widespread criticism from human rights organizations, international bodies like the United Nations, and political analysts, who viewed the charges as politically motivated and a violation of her human rights. Numerous calls for her release have been made, citing concerns about due process and the fairness of the proceedings.

While incarcerated, De Lima continued to be a vocal critic, issuing statements and opinions on current events through her legal team. Her supporters maintain that she is a political prisoner and a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism. Her case remains a significant point of contention in Philippine politics, highlighting issues of human rights, due process, and the rule of law.

The Leila de Lima story is a complex and controversial one, reflecting the deep political divisions within the Philippines. Whether viewed as a courageous advocate for justice or a corrupt official, her experiences have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the country’s political landscape and continue to fuel debate about the state of human rights and the rule of law.