Leila seeks support to participate in deliberations
In a letter dated May 11, De Lima somewhat reproached Pimentel for not lifting a finger to help her in her cause to be allowed to take an active part in the deliberations as well as attend other official functions in the Senate, even through remote or electronic means. Senate PRIB Cesar Tomambo/ File
MANILA, Philippines - Detained Sen. Leila de Lima has asked Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III to help in efforts to allow her to participate in deliberations on key legislation and attend other official functions of the chamber.
In a letter dated May 11, De Lima somewhat reproached Pimentel for not lifting a finger to help her in her cause to be allowed to take an active part in the deliberations as well as attend other official functions in the Senate, even through remote or electronic means.
De Lima, who is detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame on drug charges, pointed out that she has not been stripped of her office but is a mere detainee in full possession of political and civil rights, limited only by deprivation of physical liberty.
“What I am asking for is a modicum of support from your office… or at least a semblance of assurance that you do still care for your fellow senators – under whatever circumstances they might find themselves in – and the proper performance of their mandate,” she added.
She noted that there have been several instances when the courts allowed detained senators furlough or even liberty when charged with non-bailable offenses.
She said a statement of support from Pimentel addressed to the courts could help.
“I do not think it is too much for the Senate to ask the court in charge of my detention to grant such a consideration, especially… to attend matters of legislation and sovereign representation,” De Lima said.
She said the Senate will not go out on a limb to grant her request as she remains a senator of the Republic.
“It is only question of whether you still consider me as one, to at least extend to me all the formalities of concern appropriate for a colleague who has found herself in unfortunate and most unjust circumstances,” De Lima said.
She asked Pimentel, “my former friend, election client, and above all, as a fellow senator elected by our people,” to grant her request.
Pimentel said he was preparing her response to De Lima but was surprised that she released her letter to the media.
“I’m very disappointed that she disclosed her letter. Is this turning into a media event?” Pimentel said in a telephone interview.
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