‘DE LIMA’S EDSA CALL IS MERELY POLITICAL’
Palace spokesman says senator is not the right one to talk freedom, nation-building De Lima in statement warns nation against propaganda, suppression of rights
Malacañang slammed Senator Leila de Lima yesterday for calling on the Filipino people to fight against “an impending dictatorship” under the watch of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told state-run dzRB that De Lima, who was arrested Friday over drug cases filed against her by the Department of Justice, was trying to gain sympathy from the public.
“I would say that her call to keep the spirit of Edsa, nation-building and freedom alive is very worthwhile. However, I doubt if she is the kind of (person), if hers is the kind of voice that the people need at this stage,” Abella said.
Abella said that the senator is merely someone “who takes advantage of political position for own advancement.”
“We need people who are truly and sincerely nation patriot, nation builder,” Abella said.
De Lima warned the public that Duterte might declare Martial law.
The senator said Duterte must be stopped from being an autocrat because it would deprive the Filipino people of having democracy.
“The propaganda to cover the truth is prevalent, especially apparent move to suppress, silence, and arrest the President’s critic—even if there is no legitimate basis—to cover the government’s shortcoming,” De Lima said in a message for the 31st anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution.
“If dictatorship and violation of human rights continue? What kind of future awaits us? Let us remember, there is no People Power, no democracy, no true freedom, if we just become silent and shrug off the society confronted by corruption, violence, and abuse of power,” she added.
De Lima then urged the public to stand up against an oppressive regime and dictatorship.
“Let us hold our hands together to fight for the truth and justice in our country,” she said.