Chiz Escudero Breaks Silence: What He REALLY Thinks About Duterte’s Arrest
CHIZ ESCUDERO – Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero shared his candid thoughts on Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest.
Chiz Escudero has praised the peaceful and professional execution of the Interpol warrant that led to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, highlighting it as a reflection of the Philippines’ adherence to international agreements and legal standards.
In a statement, Escudero commended the Philippine law enforcement authorities, Duterte’s legal team, and his supporters for their composed and civil conduct during the arrest. “The peaceful and orderly service of the Interpol warrant—carried out without incident—reflects our nation’s commitment to upholding international agreements, as well as the maturity, civility, calm, and professionalism of all those involved,” he said.
Escudero emphasized the importance of ensuring Duterte’s rights and due process throughout the legal proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC). He underscored that Duterte must be afforded fair treatment in line with the rule of law. “As this legal process unfolds, we expect the ICC to respect the rights of former President Duterte and to ensure that he is afforded due process in accordance with the Rule of Law,” Escudero added.
The Senate President also acknowledged the wide range of reactions to Duterte’s arrest, particularly from families of victims of alleged extrajudicial killings and Duterte’s loyal supporters. He called on the public to maintain composure and mutual respect in ongoing discussions.
“This development will undoubtedly elicit diverse reactions shaped by differing perspectives on the allegations against the former president,” he noted. “Debate and disagreement are natural in a democracy, but as we move forward, I urge our kababayans to approach this moment with the restraint and respect displayed yesterday by the protagonists from both sides.”
With the upcoming midterm elections, Escudero cautioned political candidates against exploiting Duterte’s arrest for political gain. “I also call on those running in the midterm elections to refrain from using this issue to fan the flames of partisanship to further their candidacies,” he said.
In conclusion, Escudero called for national unity and a collective commitment to justice. “It is in our nation’s best interests to demonstrate our strength not by division, but by our capacity to rise above our differences and to collectively and peacefully uphold justice and accountability,” he stated.