Leila de Lima accepts 'Prize for Freedom' award in absentia

^{Israel, Sen. Leila M. de Lima's son (in the middle) receives the prestigious “Prize for Freedom” Award from the Liberal International (LI) on behalf of the Senator, who was recognized for her unwavering fight to defend human rights during the awarding ceremony at Novotel Manila, Araneta Center on July 28. Also in the photo are Former President Benigno Aquino, VP Leni Robredo, and Senator Francis Pangilinan.}

Detained Senator Leila de Lima accepted in absentia her Prize for Freedom award from Liberal International (LI) during the awarding rites in Quezon City last Saturday.

On the senator's behalf, her son Israel received the award from LI in "recognition of her "unwavering fight in defense of human rights," reads the caption of a hand-out photo taken during the awarding ceremony held at Novotel Manila, Araneta Center on July 28.

In her written speech that her son Israel read, she said that her unrelenting battle against human rights abuses has taken her to where she is now —detention cell.

But she said that she still feels "extremely blessed" for being able "to do the right thing."

"Therefore, this is a night of both thanksgiving and reaffirmation," part of her speech reads.

She made special mention and thanked three Philippine Presidents, whose convictions and guidance, she said, have kept her on the path of defending human rights and upholding the rule of law.

These include: late President Corazon Aquino, the first Filipino leader to receive the LI award in 1987; Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for setting  her on that path for appointing her as head of the Commission on Human Rights in 2008; and Benigno Aquino III.

She also mentioned  party-mates Liberal Party President, Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan, and LP chairperson Vice President Leni Robredo for exhibiting "principled courage" for their continued commitment to the ideals of democracy, rule of law and human rights and freedoms.

Full Text of de Lima Speech by GMA News Online on Scribd

—LBG, GMA News