Sen. Robin Padilla Waits Clearance from ICC To Visit Former Pres. Duterte
ROBIN PADILLA – The Senator who is the president of PDP-Laban wants to talk to former President Rodrigo Duterte, the chairman of the political party.
The arrest and the transfer of custody of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte undeniably leaves a huge mark in the history of the Philippines. The custody of Duterte was transferred to the ICC (International Criminal Court) which has long investigated his administration’s war on drugs campaign.
Duterte is currently detained in the Hague Penitentiary Institution. Vice Pres. Sara Duterte who immediately followed her father in The Hague said that the former Chief Executive is now out from the hospital wing of the detention facility where he was previously monitored for health reasons.
Ahead of the initial appearance of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte before the pre-trial chamber of the ICC, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte was spotted with Sen. Robin Padilla and former presidential spokesman Harry Roque outside the ICC. Harry Roque claimed that he will be part of Duterte’s legal team.
Roque is reportedly faced with an arrest order back in Philippines after the House of Representatives cited him for contempt and ordered his detention for failing to submit the documents that would explain his wealth growth. According to him, he will seek asylum in the Netherlands and defend Duterte before the ICC.
The appearance of the former presidential Spokesman did not sit well with countless people. Malacañang said Roque must defend himself first before other people. Amid the many angles surrounding arrest and detention of Duterte, the presence of Sen. Robin Padilla in The Hague also caught attention.
Recently, Sen. Robin Padilla revealed the reason why he wants to personally talk to former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte who is currently detained in the ICC detention facility. Based on a report on GMA News, the Senate Lawmaker cited the fast-approaching 2025 Elections this May.
Sen. Padilla is the president of PDP-Laban. Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is the chairman of the said political party. Based on the report, the Senator stressed that he needs to know the plan for the upcoming election.
“Nasa kalagitnaan po tayo ng eleksyon, ng kampanya. Dapat po nakakausap ko yung chairman ko kung ano po ang plano,” the Senator said.
Based on the report, Sen. Robin Padilla revealed that he has requested the ICC to visit former Pres. Duterte. He claimed that there is a ground for visit to detainees if you are a political ally. However, it is unclear if the court granted the request of the Senator.
Recently, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte advised the Filipinos to move on saying Duterte can’t be returned to the Philippines. According to her, it is pointless to stay angry as the government is allegedly not willing to hold the ones behind the arrest of her father responsible.