Who Is Leila de Lima? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Leila de Lima, born on August 27, 1959, is a prominent Filipina politician and a well-known figure in human rights advocacy. As of 2025, she is 65 years old. Leila has served as a senator in the Philippines and has been notably recognized for her outspoken stance against extrajudicial killings. Her political career has been marked by both achievements and controversies, particularly relating to her legal battles and imprisonment on charges she claims are politically motivated. More details about her life can be found on her Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Human Rights Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 27, 1959 |
| Age | 65 Years |
| Birth Place | Iriga, Camarines Sur, Philippines |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Philippines |
Popularity
Leila de Lima's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Leila de Lima stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) and weighs around 130 pounds (59 kg). While specific body measurements are not publicly disclosed, her stature reflects her strong and determined persona in both her professional and personal life.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Leila de Lima is known to be private about her personal life. She has previously been linked to relationships but has not publicly confirmed any ongoing relationships as of 2025. There has been speculation in the media regarding her dating status, but she remains focused on her political career and advocacy, placing her family and legacy at the forefront. Her personal relationships have often taken a backseat to her fight for justice and human rights.
On August 17, 2016, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte alleged that de Lima was having an affair with her driver, Ronnie Dayan, who Duterte also alleged functioned as de Lima's collector for drug protection money when she was Justice secretary. Duterte also alleged that Dayan had been using drugs.
Duterte later claimed that he had in his possession wiretaps and ATM records which confirmed his allegations which he had received from an unnamed foreign country. In September 2016, de Lima was removed as chair of the Senate Justice and Human Rights committee investigating extrajudicial killings.
She later admitted that she had a relationship with Dayan many years ago. Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre called on convicted drug lords, former prison officials and police officers as prime witnesses against de Lima in a congressional probe on illegal drug trafficking in the New Bilibid Prison.
Dayan went into hiding after being advised by de Lima to not attend the House probe, but was captured days later.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Leila de Lima's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. Her income primarily comes from her career as a senator, legal work, and public speaking engagements. While her political career has faced numerous challenges, she continues to be a respected figure in advocacy, reflecting not only in her financial status but also in her unwavering commitment to her cause.
De Lima condemned the Philippine Drug War and urged Congress to investigate. She called for an end to vigilante killings of drug suspects.
On her privilege speech at the Senate on August 2, she noted that "we cannot wage the war against drugs with blood..." De Lima lamented the indifference of President Rodrigo Duterte's government to extrajudicial killings and warned that more innocent people will suffer if the killings fail to stop.
Career, Business, and Investments
Leila de Lima's career spans decades in law and politics. She has held significant positions, including being the Secretary of Justice in the Philippines and a senator. De Lima is known for her strong opposition to human rights violations and has consistently advocated for justice reform. Although she has faced imprisonment, she remains an influential voice for many in her nation. In terms of investments, De Lima has focused more on societal change rather than traditional business ventures, with her commitment to human rights being her primary investment in the future.
Born in Iriga, Camarines Sur, de Lima was educated at the De La Salle University and the San Beda College of Law. She passed the Philippine Bar Examinations in 1985 and began her legal career as a staff member of Associate Justice Isagani Cruz.
From 2008 to 2010, she served as the chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights under the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In 2010, President Benigno Aquino III appointed de Lima to his cabinet as secretary of justice. She would hold the position until 2015, when she sought a seat in the Senate of the Philippines.
In 2016, de Lima was elected to the Senate, having ran under the Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid. She was defeated in her re-election bid in 2022 under Team Robredo–Pangilinan.
Social Network
Leila de Lima maintains a presence on social networks, engaging with her followers through platforms like Twitter and Facebook. As of 2025, she actively updates her accounts to share her thoughts on political matters, human rights issues, and the current state of affairs in the Philippines. Her digital footprint allows her to connect with supporters worldwide and amplify her message of justice and human rights advocacy.
Leila de Lima was appointed as the Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, serving from 2008 to 2010. Her two-year term was marked by high-profile cases such as the Davao Death Squad, human rights cases against general Jovito Palparan, and the Maguindanao massacre in 2009.
Education
Leila de Lima earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman and later obtained her Bachelor of Laws from the San Beda College of Law. Her educational background laid a strong foundation for her career in law and governance, equipping her with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the Philippine political landscape.
Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa Magistrado de Lima (born August 27, 1959) is a Filipino politician, lawyer, human rights activist and law professor who is the representative-elect for Mamamayang Liberal, the sectoral wing of the Liberal Party. De Lima previously served as a senator of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 and as secretary of justice from 2010 to 2015.
