Leila de Lima facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Leila de Lima
De Lima in 2016
Senator of the Philippines
In office June 30, 2016 – June 30, 2022
Chair of the Senate Electoral Reforms and People's Participation Committee
In office July 25, 2016 – July 24, 2018
Preceded by	Koko Pimentel
Succeeded by	Koko Pimentel
Chair of the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee
In office July 25, 2016 – September 19, 2016
Preceded by	Koko Pimentel
Succeeded by	Dick Gordon
56th Secretary of Justice
In office June 30, 2010 – October 12, 2015
President	Benigno Aquino III
Preceded by	Alberto Agra (acting)
Succeeded by	Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa (acting)
Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights
In office May 2008 – June 30, 2010
President	Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Preceded by	Purificacion Quisumbing
Succeeded by	Etta Rosales
Personal details
Born	Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa Magistrado de Lima (1959-08-27) August 27, 1959 (age 65) Iriga, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Political party	Liberal (2015–present) Mamamayang Liberal (2024–present) (partylist)
Other political affiliations	Independent (2010–2015) Aksyon (2001–2010)
Spouse	Pláridel Bohol (annulled)
Children	2
Relatives	Lilia de Lima (aunt) Julie de Lima (aunt)
Alma mater	De La Salle University (AB) San Beda University (LL.B)
Occupation	Politician
Profession	Lawyer
Signature

Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa Magistrado de Lima (born August 27, 1959) is a Filipina politician and lawyer. She is also known as a human rights activist and a law professor. She served as a Senator of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022.

Before becoming a senator, she was the chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights from 2008 to 2010. Later, she served as the Secretary of Justice from 2010 to 2015 under President Benigno Aquino III.

De Lima was a strong critic of President Rodrigo Duterte's government. In 2017, she was recognized with the Prize for Freedom by the Liberal International. She was held for a period until November 13, 2023. Even while held, she continued her work as a senator and proposed new laws.

Early Life and Education

Leila de Lima was born on August 27, 1959. She is the oldest child of Vicente de Lima and Norma Magistrado. Her father was a commissioner for the Philippine Commission on Elections. She grew up in Iriga, Camarines Sur, in the Bicol area.

De Lima was an excellent student throughout her basic education. She graduated as the top student, or valedictorian, of her class. In 1980, she earned a Bachelor of Arts (AB) degree in History from De La Salle University.

She then studied law at San Beda College of Law. She finished her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree in 1985, graduating as the second-highest student, or Salutatorian. In the 1985 Philippine Bar Examinations, she placed 8th overall.

Career Highlights

Leila de Lima started her career in law in 1986. She worked for Supreme Court Associate Justice Isagani Cruz until 1989. In the 1990s, she began working as a private lawyer. She focused on cases related to election law.

She also taught law at San Beda College of Law. She taught there from 1986 to 1994 and again from 2006 to 2007. From 1993 to 1995, she also served as the secretary of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal.

Human Rights Chairperson (2008–2010)

In 2008, Leila de Lima was chosen to lead the Commission on Human Rights. This was during the time President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was in office. She served in this role for two years, until 2010.

During her time as chairperson, she handled several important cases. These included investigations into human rights issues, such as those involving the Davao Death Squad. She also looked into cases against General Jovito Palparan and the serious Maguindanao massacre in 2009.

Justice Secretary (2010–2015)

In 2010, President Benigno Aquino III asked her to become the Justice Secretary. She accepted this important role. One of her first major cases was the Manila hostage crisis. This event sadly resulted in the deaths of eight people from Hong Kong.

During the 2015 Iglesia ni Cristo leadership controversy and related protests, some people criticized de Lima. They felt she was getting too involved in the internal matters of the religious group.

Senator of the Philippines (2016–2022)

Leila de Lima decided to run for senator in the 2016 general elections. She was part of the Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid (Coalition of the Straight Road). This coalition was led by the Liberal Party.

She received more than 14 million votes in the election. This placed her 12th among all candidates, earning her a seat in the Senate. In 2022, de Lima ran for reelection as senator. She was still with the Liberal Party, but she did not win a seat this time. She finished in 23rd place.

Senator Leila de Lima listens to an officer at the Senate grounds in Pasay, February 24, 2017.

Work After 2022

On December 4, 2023, Leila de Lima became the official spokesperson for the Liberal Party. She had previously been the party's vice president for policy and advocacy. On December 13, she shared that she would return to teaching law. She started as a professor at De La Salle University's Tañada-Diokno School of Law in January 2024.

On September 20, 2024, de Lima accepted the top nomination for the Mamamayang Liberal party list. This means she will run in the 2025 House elections. This marks her definite return to national politics. She will be joined by other important members of the Liberal Party. These include former congressmen Teddy Baguilat and Erin Tañada.

Political Views and Actions

Leila de Lima has often spoken about important issues in the Philippines. In 2017, she could not vote on extending martial law in Mindanao. This was after the Battle of Marawi. In December 2017, she shared her concerns about the Philippines' relationship with China. She pointed to countries like Sri Lanka and Malaysia. She said these countries faced debt problems after accepting large loans from China.

In January 2018, de Lima also spoke about the country's rising national debt. She noted that the debt had grown to ₱6.6 trillion. She also criticized the government for its stance on the South China Sea dispute. She was concerned about Chinese activities in the Benham Rise.

De Lima asked the Senate to investigate the terms of government loans. These loans were part of a large infrastructure program. She also wanted to check if anti-money laundering laws were being followed. On April 4, she filed a request to dismiss a petition against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. On May 13, she joined other senators in criticizing Sereno's removal. De Lima believed it was not allowed by the constitution.

On June 1, de Lima proposed a resolution to investigate Chinese companies. These companies were involved in rebuilding Marawi. She noted that the World Bank had banned them for corrupt practices. On June 3, she filed another resolution. This one aimed to investigate the increase of Chinese citizens moving to the Philippines. She was concerned it was causing unemployment for Filipinos.

On July 25, de Lima wrote a letter expressing her disappointment. This was about the rise of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to House Speaker. De Lima felt this change was not done constitutionally. On July 31, de Lima urged Congress to pass a bill. This bill would stop early campaigning in elections. On August 28, she also pushed for a bill to increase pensions for poor senior citizens. She also supported the Pedestrian Safety Act.

On August 1, de Lima welcomed the charges against Pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles. On August 4, she and other senators pushed for an investigation. They wanted to look into the conditions of people displaced by war in Mindanao, especially in Marawi. On August 7, de Lima supported the calamity leave bill. This bill would give workers 5 days of leave during disasters. On August 11, de Lima proposed a bill to encourage solar energy use in homes. She also joined other senators in calling for a ban on single-occupancy vehicles on EDSA. On August 18, de Lima called for an investigation into the Bureau of Immigration's ₱869-million loss from express lane fees.

On August 24, some senators asked the Supreme Court to allow de Lima to attend a case hearing. They wanted her to be present through video conference. On August 25, de Lima called for a Senate investigation. This was about delays in putting the free irrigation law into action.

Writings and Books

On February 22, 2018, de Lima announced a new e-book. It was called "Dispatches from Crame I". It was launched on February 23, one day before her first year of being held. The e-book was officially launched at the Commission on Human Rights office in Quezon City. It contained all the statements and letters she had written since 2017. It also included messages from her supporters around the world.

On June 1, 2018, a book by Fr. Robert Reyes was launched. He is de Lima's spiritual adviser. The book was titled Prisoner of Conscience Prisoner of Hope. It shared stories from different people about their views and conversations with de Lima during her time held.

On her birthday, August 27, 2018, de Lima released her second book. It was called Fight for Freedom and Other Writings. This book collected her speeches, letters, and notes. It also featured letters of support from important people. These included Vice President Leni Robredo and Liberal International President Juli Minoves.

Personal Life

Leila de Lima was married to lawyer Plaridel Bohol for over thirty years. They were classmates in college. Their marriage was later annulled. She has two children.

Her aunt, Julie de Lima, is married to Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison. This makes him her uncle by marriage. Another aunt, Lilia de Lima, was the head of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. She also received the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

After her release, De Lima, who loves dogs, adopted five cats. These cats had stayed with her during her time held.

Honors and Awards

• MetroBank Foundation Professorial Chair for Public Service and Governance (2010)
• Excellent Public Servant Award (2010)
• Defender of People's Rights (2010)
• “Agent of Change” Award (2010)
• Most Outstanding Alumna Award 2010 by San Beda University
• Most Outstanding Alumna Award 2011 by San Beda University
• 2016 Global Thinker Award by Foreign Policy
• Top Most Influential People for 2017 by Time Magazine
• Women Human Rights Defenders for 2017 by Amnesty International
• The 2017 Prize For Freedom by Liberal International.
• 2017 Leading Global Thinker Award
• World's 50 Greatest Leaders for 2018 by Fortune Magazine
• 2018 Southeast Asia's Women to Watch by The Diplomat
• 2018 Most Distinguished Human Rights Defender Award by Amnesty International
• 2018 Women Human Rights Defenders Under Threat recognized by Amnesty International
• 2018 Human Rights Defenders recognized at the Human Rights Defender World Summit in Paris

See also

In Spanish: Leila de Lima para niños

• List of Filipino Nobel laureates and nominees