Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has lauded Vice President Leni Robredo’s unrelenting spirit and determination in solving the worsening illegal drug problem in the country despite early efforts by some administration allies to discredit her.

In a handwritten statement from detention issued as part of her “Sunday Thoughts” last Nov. 10, De Lima said nothing but good words to Robredo who was recently appointed as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).

“Sincerity. Decency. Professionalism. Rare commodities in Duterte’s world. Bountiful traits in VP Leni,” she said in her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 645.

“People see a determined VP Leni out to right the wrongs and restore sanity in the enforcement of the drug war, save lives and pursue justice, and pounce on the real drug lords, their cohorts and protectors,” she added.

Last October 31, Mr. Duterte has designated Robredo as co-chairperson of the ICAD. The Vice President accepted Duterte’s offer despite warning from her allies and partymates that such offer could be a “trap” that is doomed to fail.

In accepting the offer, Robredo justified that her new designation is an opportunity to help end the violence and unprecedented deaths under the Duterte administration’s all-out war against illegal drugs.

As the new head of the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, the Vice President underscored that she will focus on reducing the supply of illegal drugs in the country by taking down big-time drug dealers.

She is also reportedly set to meet with the ICAD’s law enforcement cluster to discuss plans in fighting drugs as well as with the United Nations and US Embassy officials and other experts to consult them on strategies to be used in the new drug war.

De Lima, the staunchest critic of the administration’s war on drugs, said she is also praying for her fellow Bicolana’s continued safety and strength as the latter works in improving the government’s anti-narcotics campaign.

“We pray for VP Leni’s safety, enduring strength and success,” said the lady Senator from Bicol.

In her Dispatch from Crame No. 643, De Lima said she is confident that Robredo could provide genuine solution to the country’s illegal drug problems because “she will bring compassion where there is none; and leadership and direction where it is needed.”