De Lima honors late ex-solon Raul Daza: He was a ‘reassuring presence’

MANILA, Philippines — Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima on Monday honored late former Northern Samar Rep. Raul Daza by recalling his “reassuring presence” when she was imprisoned, noting how the latter was once subject of persecution. 

De Lima made these remarks during the necrological service of the House of Representatives for Daza, who once served at the lower chamber for seven terms between 1969 and 2019 and was a member of the Liberal Party for 61 years. Daza passed away at the age of 91 last October 12. 

READ: Ex-Northern Samar solon Raul Daza dead at 91, family confirms

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De Lima first recounted how Daza conducted her direct examination when she testified during the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona. She remembered how Daza was “calm, composed, and razor-sharp” and how he made her “feel protected and assured.”

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“Years later, when I faced trials of a very different kind, I would come to appreciate that same reassuring presence,” De Lima said in her eulogy.

When De Lima was arrested and jailed in 2017 over criminal cases filed by the past administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, including three illegal drug trade cases, she said that Daza visited her in 2018 and 2019 and even sent her books, letters, and rosaries.

“To someone who has never experienced imprisonment, these might seem like simple gestures. But when you are deprived of your freedom, you come to understand how much a familiar voice, a thoughtful letter, or a visit from an old friend can mean,” she added. 

De Lima also emphasized that Daza “had known persecution himself,” as she recalled the time when Daza questioned the Martial Law declaration and went into exile in the United States after the late former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. issued arrest orders for him and other lawmakers. 

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READ: Dy hails late ex-solon Raul Daza: He stood firm for democracy

“I believe that experience gave him a particular understanding of what it meant to stand by someone during difficult times. And I will always be grateful that he stood by me,” she added.

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Even in exile, Daza continued to oppose the Marcos dictatorship. He then returned to the Philippines in 1985 and served as Deputy Minister of the Presidential Commission on Good Government and Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Constitutional Reforms. 

As she ended her solemn eulogy, De Lima once again thanked Daza for his kindness towards her, as well as the friendship they formed throughout the years. /jpv