Just Ice, Secretary: De Lima takes Ice Bucket Challenge, names Lacson, Tupas, Duterte

(Updated 5:05 p.m.) Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday took the ice bucket challenge and challenged former Senator Panfilo Lacson, Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas, and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to do the same.

In front of cheering employees and members of the media, De Lima's security aides poured two buckets of ice water on the Justice Secretary.

"I'm taking the challenge for a worthy cause. So, here we go. Go!" said De Lima before getting drenched in ice-cold water while seated on a monobloc chair.

De Lima took the challenge near the parking lot of the DOJ main building, with spectators being mostly DOJ employees who took a break from their work to get a glimpse of their boss.

De Lima said she would also be making a $100 donation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research.

"I love challenges, especially kung for a worthy cause. Marami na ang nag-take nitong challenge na ito all over the globe. That's why to the others, kunin din nila kasi its for a worthy cause. Makakatulong po tayo," she said.

READ: What is ALS?

Asked how she decided on her nominations, De Lima later said: "Wala lang. Sila lang naisip ko. And I hope they will accept my challenge."

De Lima and Duterte were earlier at loggerheads when the National Bureau of Investigation, which is under the DOJ, initially decided to release suspected rice smuggler David Bangayan in January.

De Lima and Lacson have a history of being at odds, especially during the time the government was pursuing him after he went into hiding in 2010 in connection with the Dacer-Corbito double murder case.

Tupas, meanwhile, is an administration ally and is De Lima's former fellow ex-officio member in the Judicial and Bar Council.

The ALS ice bucket challenge is a viral worldwide campaign to raise funds and awareness for people suffering from ALS. — BM, GMA News