Leila de Lima facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leila de Lima
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De Lima in 2016
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| Senator of the Philippines | |
| In office June 30, 2016 – June 30, 2022 |
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| Chair of the Senate Electoral Reforms and People's Participation Committee | |
| In office July 25, 2016 – July 24, 2018 |
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| 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 |
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| Preceded by | Koko Pimentel |
| Succeeded by | Dick Gordon |
| Secretary of Justice | |
| In office June 30, 2010 – October 12, 2015 |
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| 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 |
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| President | Gloria Macapagal Arroyo |
| Preceded by | Purificacion Quisumbing |
| Succeeded by | Etta Rosales |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa Magistrado de Lima
August 27, 1959 Iriga, Camarines Sur, Philippines |
| Political party | Liberal (2015–present) |
| 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, lawyer, human rights activist and law professor who previously served as a Senator of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. She was the chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights from 2008 to 2010, before serving in President Benigno Aquino III's cabinet as Secretary of Justice from 2010 to 2015.
Known as a vocal critic of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, she was arrested in 2017. She was held in pretrial detention until November 13, 2023, although she served out her remaining term as senator and filed legislation while held.
Later that year, she was awarded the Prize for Freedom by the Liberal International.
Early life
De Lima is the eldest daughter of former Philippine Commission on Elections commissioner Vicente de Lima and Norma Magistrado. She was born and raised in Iriga, Camarines Sur in Bicol.
De Lima completed her basic education, graduating as class valedictorian. She graduated in 1980 from the De La Salle University with an AB History degree. She finished her Bachelor of Laws (Salutatorian) degree at the San Beda College of Law in 1985. She placed 8th in the 1985 Philippine Bar Examinations with an 86.26% bar rating.
Career
De Lima began her career as a staff member of Supreme Court Associate Justice Isagani Cruz from 1986 to 1989.
Leila de Lima was appointed as the Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, serving from 2008 to 2010. Her two-year term was marked by high-profile cases such as the Davao Death Squad, human rights cases against general Jovito Palparan, and the Maguindanao massacre in 2009.
In 2010, President Benigno Aquino III offered her the position of Justice secretary, for which she accepted.
Leila de Lima ran as a senatorial candidate for the 2016 general elections under the Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid (lit. Coalition of the Straight Road) of the Liberal Party. She finished 12th, after amassing more than 14 million votes.
In 2022, de Lima ran for reelection as senator under the Liberal Party but lost after placing in 23rd position.
Personal life
De Lima was previously married for more than thirty years to lawyer Plaridel Bohol, who was her classmate in college, before their marriage was annulled. She has two children.
De Lima's aunt, Julie de Lima, married Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison, making him her uncle by marriage. Another aunt, Lilia de Lima, served as the head of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and is a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee.
Following her release, De Lima, who describes herself as a dog lover, adopted five cats from Camp Crame who accompanied her constantly during her detention.
Honors and recognition
- 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
