De Lima quietly celebrates 57th birthday with family

Sen. Leila de Lima is celebrating her 57th birthday privately with her family amid controversies caused by allegations of immorality and drugs link from President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Sen. D5 (De Lima) celebrates her birthday with her family. She wants to keep it private," Ferdia Magalang of the senator's office said.

"No coverage or statement," Magalang added.

On Friday, Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo said he wanted to wish the senator a "good night's sleep" because Duterte believes "she has been having nightmares."

De Lima was the highest ranking official tagged in the matrix released by Duterte showing personalities allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison.

De Lima had dismissed the matrix as garbage.

Panelo had hinted that Duterte may release more allegations against De Lima.

"Lubayan? Parang hindi pa yata nag-uumpisa si Presidente. Parang patikim lang ata iyon ah," Panelo said.

Duterte had accused De Lima of having an affair with her driver and a former employee of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

De Lima is leading the Senate's congressional inquiry into the alleged extrajudicial killings of drugs suspects since Duterte assumed the presidency. —ALG, GMA News