PNoy accepts De Lima's resignation

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III accepted on Monday the resignation of Justice Secretary Leila De Lima.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa told De Lima in a letter that Aquino accepted her resignation effective October 12.

"We thank you for your valuable and dedicated service to the government," Ochoa told the resigned Cabinet official.

De Lima tendered her resignation on October 6 to pursue a senatorial candidacy. On Friday, she took oath as a new member of Aquino's Liberal Party (LP).

The LP officially endorsed De Lima and 11 other senatorial candidates earlier today at the Balay headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City.

With a campaign agenda of "Katarungang Ramdam ni Juan at Juana," De Lima said she seeks to deepen reforms that make justice "true" and "complete."

De Lima admitted being afraid to join the elections, having no prior experience in running for public office.

"I never really thought about entering politics. It was only this year people made me realize what is at stake right now," she said.

"I'm no politician but people tell me that there's a job to be done and I'll carry this for the rest of my life if I look the other way," De Lima added.