Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte Issues Statement as Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte Marks 100th Day in ICC Detention
RODRIGO DUTERTE – Today marks the former President’s 100th day in detention under the International Criminal Court (ICC) and his son, Davao First District Congressman Paolo Duterte, has a heartfelt message about his situation.
Countless Filipinos were surprised with the unexpected turn of events last March 11 which truly marked the history of the Philippines. Upon his arrival from Hong Kong, former Pres. Duterte was arrested by the Philippine authorities over a reported arrest warrant issued by the ICC.
On the same day of his arrest, Duterte was flown to The Hague, Netherlands for the transfer of his custody to the ICC. Today marks the 100th day of the former President in ICC detention.
Previously, it was reported that the camp of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte has requested his interim release from the ICC to an undisclosed country. A nation was allegedly willing to take in the former President. His daughter, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte, said it would be beneficial for her 80-year-old father whose other needs cannot be met inside the ICC detention facility in The Hague.
Vice Pres. Sara Duterte even claimed that former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte can be called a “super senior” citizen. According to her, if his interim release bid will be granted, there may be nurses or caregivers who can better take care of him.
As former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte marks his 100th day in ICC detention, his son, Davao First District Congressman Paolo Duterte, expressed his side as a son on the situation of the former President. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, Congressman Pulong also maintained his father’s innocence.
“He is not a criminal. He is a man who gave his life to serve this nation, who walked the most difficult paths so that we may live in peace, free from fear, and with dignity,” the Congressman said.
Furthermore, Cong. Paolo Duterte stressed that former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte stood up against the enemies of the Republic, “and now he suffers alone — far from home, far from his people”. According to him, as a son, it pains him.
“As a son, the pain is immeasurable. As a Filipino, the injustice is unbearable,” the younger Duterte said.
Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte asked the public to pray for the strength, freedom, and health of his father. Based on the report, he called on the public to light a candle, say the name of the former President, “and let your love be felt across the walls of that foreign prison”.
The Davao Congressman stressed that their family believes in justice and in truth and holds close to their hearts that the Filipino people will never abandon the people who defended them.
On Father’s Day, former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s youngest child, Kitty Duterte, paid a tribute for him where she called him her “greatest hero”.