De Lima: I owe my predicament to my audacity, not my gender

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Leila de Lima on Friday said she attributes her problem to her audacity and not because of her being a woman. 

"In my case obviously, I owe my predicament not to my gender, but my sheer audacity to do my job first as chairperson of the Commission of Human Rights, and thereafter a secretary of Justice," De Lima said at a dialogue on human rights organized by Miriam College. 

According to De Lima, she expects people in high positions to hold a grudge against her since most people involved in high-profile cases she handles are influential leaders. 

She, however, did not expect that she would become a victim of human rights violations.

"Akala ko tagapagtanggol lang ako ng mga nabibiktima ng human rights violations," De Lima said.

The senator said that it is not the motive for trying to destroy her that makes the issue of sexism and misogyny relevant but the manner in which to destroy her at all costs.

"Is slut shaming may really be the way to exact justice in this country? I would hope not," De Lima said.

The senator decried being the subject of attacks from President Rodrigo Duterte, his political allies and ordinary citizens, particularly because of her supposed sexual activities.

She added that the fight against sexism is not only for women but for the collective humanity.