Leila laments denial of plea to attend son’s graduation

Detained Senator Leila de Lima yesterday lamented that she will not able to attend her son's graduation from law school.

In a written statement, De Lima said yesterday was "one of the saddest days of her unjust detention" as a special day like this for their family will never be brought back even when the time comes that she will be vindicated and released from prison.

"This is that day that we, as a family, and I as a parent, have been looking forward to for years now. And never did I imagine I wouldn't be able to be there with him, bearing witness to his triumph, and being what all mothers by definition are meant to be: the number one cheerleader and supporter of their child, as they achieve one of their lifelong dreams," De Lima said.

De Lima expressed how happy and proud she is for the achievements of her son and source of strength, Vincent Joshua, who is graduating from San Beda College School of Law inAlabang.

"You have hurdled your law studies under challenging circumstances as a family man, as a father to two very young children, the elder of whom has autism, as a very patient and loving younger brother to a special brother, and, not to mention, the silently suffering son to a controversial mother, who is now a victim of persecution," De Lima said.

"Law school, by itself, is no cakewalk. Lesser persons would have given up on their dreams, and taken the easier way out. But not you. You are made of sterner stuff. I am both humbled and proud of the man you have become," she added.

Judge Amelia Fabros-Corpuz of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 has denied the senator's request to attend the graduation, noting that De Lima's presence at the school "will endanger its security" and that "her risk of flight was very high."