Former senator and current Rep. Leila de Lima (ML Party-list) is grieving the loss of her 13-year-old dog, Coco, who died on Saturday, October 18, due to kidney complications.
In an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), De Lima described Coco not just as a pet, but as a cherished companion who played a vital role during one of the most difficult periods of her life, her nearly six-year detention at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center. She recalled how Coco regularly visited her, offering comfort and a sense of normalcy amid the isolation.
She also shared photos of Coco during his visit to the detention.
“I’m grieving. My favorite, 13-yr-old Japanese Spitz, Coco, succumbed to kidney malfunction last night. He was my regular visitor every Monday, pre-pandemic (when regulations still allowed visits), at the PNP Custodial Center,” De Lima wrote.
Outside of the gate of PNP Custodial Center, Camp Crame, after one of his visits to me in March 2017 pic.twitter.com/RrTePWuFyD
— Leila de Lima (@manayleila) October 19, 2025
De Lima expressed her deep gratitude for Coco’s “extraordinary loyalty and devotion.”
“I honor his extraordinary loyalty and devotion,” the lawmaker said.
The post ended with a heartfelt farewell: “Maraming salamat at paalam, Coco! Mahal na mahal kita.”
I’m grieving. My favorite, 13-yr-old Japanese Spitz, Coco, succumbed to kidney malfunction last night. He was my regular visitor every Monday, pre-pandemic (when regulations still allowed visits), at the PNP Custodial Center. I honor his extraordinary loyalty and devotion.… pic.twitter.com/0nDQmUWTHG
— Leila de Lima (@manayleila) October 19, 2025
De Lima, who was released on bail in November 2023 after years of what many human rights groups called politically motivated detention, has since returned to public service.
— With Janelle Liong
