Statement of Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Partido Liberal president, on Senate President Sotto’s letter on Senator De Lima

Our gratitude and support are with Senate President Vicente Sotto III for formally seeking the participation of Senator Leila de Lima in hearings lodged before her committee.

It is right and just for Sen. De Lima to be allowed to perform her duties as a member of the legislature. Despite her unjust incarceration, Sen. De Lima has expressed her desire to carry out her functions as a lawmaker and help craft laws beneficial to the people.

We hope the Philippine National Police will heed the request of the Senate President.

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Ipinaparating natin ang ating pasasalamat at suporta kay Senate President Vicente Sotto III sa pormal niyang paghiling ng partisipasyon ni Senador Leila De Lima sa mga hearing na nakahain sa kanyang komite.

Tama at makatarungan para kay Sen. De Lima na pahintulutan siyang gampanan ang kanyang tungkulin bilang miyembro ng lehislatura. Sa kabila ng kanyang di-makatarungang pagkakakulong, ipinahayag ni Sen. De Lima ang kanyang hangarin na gampanan ang kanyang tungkulin bilang isang mambabatas at makatulong sa pagbalangkas ng mga batas na mapapakinabangan ng taumbayan.

Umaasa tayo na bibigyang pansin ng Philippine National Police ang hiling ng Senate President.