MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau)- Just before boarding her flight out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Senator Leila de Lima apologized to Rodrigo Duterte for her harsh words against the Philippine president.

Previously, de Lima described Duterte as a “murderer” and the “father” of the extra-judicial killings in the country.  She had also challenged the president to arrest and imprison her for opposing his administration which many have described as a “dictatorship.”

De Lima expected to be barred from leaving the country as she prepared to go abroad to fulfill a couple of speaking engagements for which she was invited.

But then, the expected didn’t happen.  De Lima was free to leave the country without incident or interference.  That embarrassed the senator who then immediately publicly apologized to the president.

“Now I realize there is true Democracy in the country.  A dictator wouldn’t allow her No. 1 opponent to leave the country and freely move about.  Now I see why up to this moment, I haven’t been arrested or imprisoned.  Duterte truly adheres to the rule of law. I am very, very sorry, Mr. President,” de Lima said as she boarded her aircraft.