On board with Butuyan’s suggestion: Run, Leila, run

This is a reaction to “Run, Leila, run” (Flea Market of Ideas, 8/29/2024) where columnist Joel Ruiz Butuyan encouraged former senator Leila de Lima to run for re-election next year. This reminded me of my mixed feelings about the idea of her doing so when I attended her meet and greet event, “A luncheon with Atty. Leila De Lima” last July 13. Organized by the Liberal Party Manila and San Juan chapters and held in Ortigas, the event was a way to “get to know Atty. Leila through her inspiring story, with the opportunity to engage with her.”

Also present was special guest, former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangillinan. He and De Lima spoke to us, the roughly 150 supporters in attendance, well-wishers, and sympathizers, and answered some questions, one of which, of course, was if they were planning to make a political comeback. While Pangilinan expressed his interest in returning to public service, De Lima said that she planned to focus more on restoring much-needed order in her personal life after the hell that she—and surely her family, by extension—went through.

She did not resort to histrionics when she spoke. By no means did she exude a vengeful and vindictive vibe which anyone who knew of her ordeal may expect from her. For the most part, she was calm, dignified, rational, and reflective, just as she was during her interview with Karen Davila on the ANC show “Headstart” a few days prior. She did, however, understandably express her anger and pain when she talked about having unjustly spent 2,454 days in detention because of all the trumped-up charges filed against her during the last administration, as well as the indignities and humiliation she was cruelly subjected to.

Pangilinan was likewise cool and respectable but made it clear that he remains passionate about the country’s state of affairs. The general atmosphere that day was celebratory, uplifting, and even touching, thanks in large part to the emcee, Juliana Riparip, Liberal Party San Juan chapter former chair, whose positive energy was infectious.

Dignified, intelligent, and competent, De Lima and Pangilinan are sorely missed amidst all the mess the country is in, reeling as we all are from the shocking and embarrassing escape of former Bamban mayor Alice Guo, and the ongoing search for Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader pastor Apollo Quiboloy. Not to mention the unbearably arrogant conduct of Vice President Sara Duterte during the budget deliberations at the House of Representatives for her office. Given the news of late, I am now more on board with Butuyan in hoping that De Lima, as well as Pangilinan, re-join the political fray.

But then, does she feel mentally or emotionally prepared for it now, and is she still interested? If she opts to stay away from the limelight to take care of her personal well-being, we will respect and understand her decision. But do trust that we will readily support her if she ultimately runs for office.