MANILA — Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima on Wednesday expressed her disagreement with former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV over his claim that former Vice President Leni Robredo would have blocked the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte had she won the 2022 presidential election.

“I cannot speak on her behalf, but I find that claim difficult to believe,” De Lima said in a statement. “Her record speaks to the contrary.”

Trillanes made the controversial statement on the program “Sa Totoo Lang” on August 5, claiming that Leni Robredo would not allow the arrest of the former president.

“Sinabi sa akin mismo nila VP Leni at Bam Aquino… na hindi nila i-tu-turnover si Duterte sa ICC kasi hindi sila naniniwala sa jurisdiction ng ICC.”

He further suggested that Robredo had a close friendship with current Vice President Sara Duterte, citing a 2024 visit to Naga City that he said was “planned early on,” and added that this relationship affected her stance.

De Lima emphasized the importance of unity and truth in political discourse as she addressed Trillanes’ allegations.

“I have always believed that principled disagreements can strengthen movements—if they are rooted in truth and guided by respect. But when public accusations are based on conjecture, and when they target allies instead of adversaries, the damage falls not only on individual reputations but on the greater cause we all claim to serve,” De Lima said.

“Masakit makita na may mga pahayag na, sa halip na magpalakas ng hanay, ay nagdudulot ng pagkakahati,” De Lima added, warning that infighting could sink the opposition.

Trillanes also declared that he is unlikely to support Robredo in the 2028 elections.

De Lima, who spent nearly seven years in jail for standing up to Duterte’s bloody drug war, defended Robredo.

“As a friend and ally, I can attest to VP/Mayor Leni’s unwavering commitment to justice and human rights,” she said. “No one who stood with us during the darkest days can honestly accuse her of being soft on accountability.”

“We do not know what has prompted these claims. But we do know their effect: division, distraction, and disinformation,” De Lima stressed. “Sa halip na tumutok sa mga dapat singilin sa kapalpakan at kasinungalingan, tayo pa mismo ang nagkakahiwa-hiwalay.”

The former senator ended her statement with a reminder: “Let us not hand ammunition to those who wish to see the democratic opposition fragmented and discredited. Let us not mistake our allies for our enemies. Let us never forget who truly brought harm to our institutions, our communities, and our fellow Filipinos.

“We in the opposition are not here to fight each other. We are here to fight for the people—for justice, truth, and dignity. That is our shared mission. Let us not lose sight of it. Tama na ang pagbibintang,” De Lima emphasized.

📷 Leila De Lima FB