Robin Padilla Declares Duterte a Hero While Held at ICC

Robin Padilla Stirs Reactions After Labeling Duterte a Hero During ICC Detention

ROBIN PADILLA – A bold statement from Robin Padilla has caught public attention after he said the ongoing ICC detention of Rodrigo Duterte may have elevated the former leader to heroic status.

Robin Padilla believes that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte may already be considered a hero following his detention at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Padilla made the remarks during his visit to The Hague on March 12, 2026, where Duterte is currently being held at the ICC detention center. According to the senator, the former president’s imprisonment abroad has elevated him to legendary status in the eyes of many Filipinos.

“Talagang legend na si Digong at itong pagkakakulong niya dito sa ibang bansa, parang sinelyuhan na natin ‘yong pagkabayani niya,” he said.

Padilla explained that the situation Duterte is facing is rare and unusual, especially for a former head of state. Despite the criticisms and opposition that Duterte continues to receive because of his past policies and actions, Padilla said the experience he is undergoing has placed him in a different category.

“Talagang kahit na may mga kontra, naiintindihan naman natin ‘yong mga kontra, pero bihira ang nangyayari sa isang tao na ganito,” he said.

He added, “Ito ay umaakyat ka na sa kategorya ng pagiging bayani.”

The senator also emphasized that regardless of whether Filipinos support Duterte or not, the fact that the former president is now facing trial in a foreign court has already shaped how history may view him.

“Kahit aminin natin at hindi, suportado mo si Digong o hindi, ay ginawa na natin siyang bayani para siya ay dumadaan sa paglilitis ng mga dayuhan. Ginawa na natin siyang bayani,” he said.

Padilla also expressed hope that Duterte will eventually return to the Philippines alive. He urged Filipinos to unite and focus on the country’s progress despite the controversies and political tensions surrounding the case.

“Sana lang magsama-sama tayo na dumating ang araw na makauwi din si Digong. Kasi mas maganda ‘yong bayaning buhay. Kasi matagal na tayong maraming karanasan. Bayaning namatay, ayaw natin ‘yon,” he said.

“Gusto nating buhay si Digong, malampasan niya ito, matapos na ang kaguluhan sa Pilipinas dahil ang gulo-gulo na ng mundo, para makaabante tayo,” he concluded.

Padilla’s statement adds to the ongoing public and political discussions surrounding Duterte’s detention and the broader implications of the ICC proceedings involving the former Philippine leader.

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