DASMARIÑAS – After campaigning in the 2022 elections as a standee and through other people, former Senator Leila de Lima finally got to do it in person.

She highlighted her freedom in her appearance at the People's Campaign Kickoff Rally of senatorial candidates Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino at the Dasmarinas City Arena in Cavite on Tuesday.

"Wait lang. Ano ginagawa niyan dito? Nandito na ako. Malaya na ako. Malayang Leila! So, this is a thing of the past. Ito, nandito na po ako!," De Lima said.

She made the statement after fellow Mamamayang Liberal Party-list nominees Teddy Baguilat and Erin Tañada initially appeared with her standee. 

"Nakakamiss yung ganitong energy. Miss na miss ko yung ganito. Napakasarap mangampanya na hindi ka na standee," the former Senator said.

De Lima sought reelection in the 2022 polls, but could not campaign in-person since she was detained.

The former Justice Secretary spent nearly seven years in detention, after three drug cases were filed against her during the Duterte administration.

In June 2024, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 cleared De Lima in the third and final drug case.

De Lima tasted freedom after being granted bail in November 2023.

"Tuloy ang laban. Hindi dapat huminto. Hindi dapat magpahinga hangga't hindi napanagot ang may kasalanan sa pagkamatay ng libo-libong tao," she said.

The former senator made a case on why Mamamayang Liberal Party-list should enter Congress. 

"Samahan niyo po kami. Kami ang sasangga sa mga nang-aapi sa mga nasa laylayan. Kami ang magiging malakas at matapang na boses para sa mga marginalized sectors," she said.

De Lima said she, Pangilinan, and Aquino will fight for justice and good governance.

"Hindi dapat magtagumpay yung mga sinungaling at mapang-abuso… Alam naman natin kung sino yung mga naghahari-harian, hindi sila humaharap sa katotohan sa mga congressional hearings," she said.

"Ibalik din natin sila Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino sa Senado, sila ang karapat-dapat sa Senado," the former senator said.