De Lima says leading Senate social justice panel was “early” Christmas gift

December 26, 2018

Senator Leila de Lima received an "early" Christmas gift when she was designated as chairperson of the Senate committee on social justice, welfare and rural development in June.

De Lima said she feels blessed to have the opportunity to craft more legislative measures geared towards promoting welfare and protecting the rights of Filipinos, especially the vulnerable.

"Aside from considering my chairmanship as an early Christmas present, I also see it as a blessing because it gave me a sense of fulfillment considering that it pushed me to file very meaningful bills and resolutions aimed at improving the plight of the poor," she said.

"After all, how can helping the poor, the marginalized and the disadvantaged be meaningless? It is actually good for the soul," she added.

Under her chairmanship, the committee on social justice, welfare and rural development has reported out for plenary debate six legislative measures.

These submitted for floor deliberations include Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2111 (Public Solicitation Act), SBN 2117 (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps Act), SBN 2118 (Magna Carta for Child Development Workers), SBN 2119 (Rural Employment Assistance Program Act), SBN 2121 (Magna Carta of the Poor) and SBN 1986 (National Rotary Day Act).

De Lima said her duty to the country and her countrymen as an elected Senator of the Republic always reminds her "to never quit" and continue her fight in pursuit of justice and human rights.

"I always remind myself to never lose zest for life, to never lose the fire within me, and to never see quitting as an option regardless of my situation because there are millions of Filipinos out there who need to be inspired," she said.

De Lima was detained in the Philippine National Police since 2017 due to alleged links to drug trade in the National Bilibid Prisons when she was justice secretary. DMS