De Lima: Liver mass not malignant

Detained Senator Leila de Lima on Wednesday said the liver mass earlier detected by her physician during a routine and periodic medical examination has been tested as not malignant.

“I have received the results of my CT-Scan and am very grateful that the impression of a “liver mass” detected from my check-up last February 15 is not malignant. This means that there is no need for an operation,” De Lima said in a press statement.

The senator underwent “CT Scan (tri-phase) of the liver” on March 12 determine if the “liver mass” is benign or malignant after a Muntinlupa court allowed her to go on a one day medical furlough.

“I thank God for this blessing, and my family, friends and supporters for their prayers and concern. I thank Fr. Robert Reyes for joining us at the Philippine Heart Center. As I said, there is nothing to worry about,” she said.

She reiterated that despite detention she will continue to do her duty as a senator and will not use illness to free herself from incarceration.

“Nananatili po akong nakatutok sa pagtupad ng aking tungkulin bilang Senador, habang hinaharap ang mga imbentong kaso laban sa akin ng mapaniil na rehimeng Duterte. Hinding-hindi po ako magpapanggap na may sakit para lang makalaya, at lalo na, para magpaawa. Huwag po kayong maawa sa akin. Maawa po kayo sa bayan,” she said.

De Lima is accused of conspiring with high-profile inmates to sell or trade illegal drugs inside the national penitentiary during her term as justice chief allegedly in exchange for millions of pesos supposedly for her senatorial campaign.

She has repeatedly denied the allegation.

De Lima is presently detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City. She has been in detention since late February last year. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News