May 20, 2016 – News Release

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20 May 2016
President Aquino joins Senator-elect Leila de Lima’s thanksgiving dinner
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday night attended Senator-elect Leila de Lima’s thanksgiving dinner at the Quezon Memorial Circle, assuring the former justice secretary of his support as she begins her career as a legislator.

Since de Lima is a newbie at the Senate, other veteran legislators could give her advice, President Aquino said in his brief speech.

“Siguro, the only sad part is itong kampanya was the far point. When you get there, it won’t be as far. And if you’ve been there and working, it would be interesting,” he said.

“And I’m sure a lot of the dreams of our people go with you, and their prayers are also with you as you embark in this new part of your work on behalf of our people.”

De Lima, a member of the Liberal Party, was one of the 12 senators proclaimed by the Commission on Elections on Thursday afternoon.

Other administration-backed senators who won during the May 9 elections were Franklin Drilon, Joel Villanueva, Riza Hontiveros, Francisco Pangilinan, and Ralph Recto. PND (as)