Senator Leila de Lima




Who is she?
Senator Leila de Lima is a Filipino lawyer and politician serving as a Senator of the Philippines since 2016. She was previously the Secretary of Justice under the Aquino administration.
Early life and education
De Lima was born in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines, on August 27, 1959. She earned her bachelor's degree in AB Political Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1980, and her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines Law Center in 1984.
Career
De Lima began her career as a lawyer in the Public Attorneys Office (PAO). She later joined the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), where she served as a commissioner from 1998 to 2003.
In 2004, De Lima was appointed as the chairperson of the CHR. She served in this position until 2010, when she was appointed as the Secretary of Justice under the Aquino administration.
As Secretary of Justice, De Lima led the prosecution of several high-profile cases, including the Maguindanao massacre and the pork barrel scam. She also played a key role in the passage of the Reproductive Health Law.
In 2016, De Lima was elected as a Senator of the Philippines. She is currently the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Controversy
In 2017, De Lima was arrested on charges of drug trafficking. She has denied the charges, and her supporters believe that she is being politically persecuted.
The arrest of De Lima has been widely criticized by human rights groups and the international community. The United Nations Human Rights Council has called for her release, and the United States has imposed sanctions on several Philippine officials involved in her case.
Personal life
De Lima is married to Antonio Carpio, a retired Supreme Court Justice. They have two children.
Legacy
De Lima is a controversial figure in Philippine politics. She is known for her strong stance on human rights and her opposition to the Duterte administration.
Despite her arrest, De Lima remains a symbol of hope for many Filipinos. She is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are still those who are willing to fight for justice and human rights.