MANILA, Philippines – Senator Bong Go has expressed his strong stance against the issuance of a warrant of arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to former President Rodrigo Duterte, calling it an affront to the sovereignty of the Philippines.
The senator emphasized that the ICC should refrain from interfering with the nation's internal affairs, especially as the Philippines is no longer a member of the court.
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| Senator Bong Go and former President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo courtesy: Facebook/Bong Go |
As Go pointed out, the country's domestic courts remain fully operational and independent, capable of handling legal matters.
Go highlighted that cases related to the issues in question have already been filed, and investigations have been conducted by both the Executive branch and Congress.
The senator reiterated a statement from former President Duterte, who had made it clear that he was willing to face any legal charges, provided that his case is judged by fellow Filipinos in a Philippine court.
"Ang mga kababayan lamang natin ang dapat humusga kung naging maayos at epektibo ba ang kampanya laban sa iligal na droga. Sila ang mas nakakaalam kung ligtas sila noon na nakakauwi sa kanilang pamilya na hindi nasasaktan at kung hindi nababastos ang kanilang mga anak ng mga adik at ibang kriminal," Go stated.
In light of the recent developments, Senator Go also pledged to support former President Duterte, particularly regarding his health.
"Ipinangako ko sa kanya na hinding-hindi ko siya pababayaan, lalo na pagdating sa kanyang kalusugan," Go said, emphasizing the former president's deteriorating health as he approaches his 80th birthday.
Go also shared that former President Duterte's health has been a cause for concern. "Ilang araw na lang ay 80 years old na si Tatay Digong. Marami na rin siyang karamdaman na iniinda dulot ng edad," Go revealed. He added that Duterte's glucose level had spiked, and his doctor advised immediate hospitalization to avoid complications related to diabetes.
Senator Go appealed to the authorities to prioritize the former president's health and ensure that he receives the proper medical attention, which he said is a constitutional right of every Filipino.
He also called for calm among the Filipino people, urging citizens to let legal processes unfold according to Philippine law. "Hayaan natin ang mga legal na proseso na gumulong, basta kung ano lang ang tama at legal ayon sa mga batas ng Pilipinas," Go remarked, emphasizing the importance of adhering to due process and legal frameworks.
Concluding his statement, Senator Go requested prayers for the safety and health of former President Duterte as he navigates these challenging times.
— The Summit Express
