The denial of due process and the incarceration for partisan and vindictive motives of a citizen, like Sen. Leila de Lima, demean the Constitution and diminish the Nation.

The longer the deprivation of freedom lasts, like one long solitary and degrading year, the more the infringement of the Constitution worsens, and the more the affront to the Nation aggravates.

I join the collective and incessant call for the immediate release and liberation of Senator Leila de Lima so that she could steadfastly pursue her advocacies without restraint, and fully discharge her duties as a duly elected Senator.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN