Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, on Saturday, Nov. 29, expressed sadness over the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber’s decision to deny former president Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, but said he respects the ruling and trusts the legal process.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (Senate PRIB photo)
Go issued the statement after the ICC Appeals Chamber unanimously affirmed the Pre-Trial Chamber I’s earlier ruling that Duterte’s continued detention remains necessary due to flight risk, possible witness interference, and the danger of renewed violence.
The decision was delivered at 5:30 p.m. (Manila time) by Presiding Judge Luz del Carmen Ibañez.
“It is with utmost sadness that former President Rodrigo Duterte's appeal for interim release has been denied. Nevertheless, we respect the decision and trust the whole process,” Go said.
He urged the public to remain calm and avoid division, as he said that the truth will prevail in time.
“Nakakalungkot man ang desisyong ito, patuloy tayong naniniwala na ang katotohanan at katarungan ang mananaig sa huli. Kaya hinihikayat ko ang lahat na manatiling kalmado, magpakatatag, at umiwas sa anumang pagkakawatak-watak (While this decision is saddening, we continue to believe that truth and justice will prevail in the end. That’s why I urge everyone to remain calm, stay strong, and avoid any form of division),” he said.
“Let us continue showing support for FPRRD in ways that uphold peace and respect,” he added, referring to the 80-year-old Duterte.
Go added that he kept faith in the law, due process, and in God, as he prayed for Duterte’s eventual release. He also asked the public to pray for the former president’s safety and health.
“Patuloy kong ipagdarasal na gabayan tayong lahat at makita ng buong mundo ang kabuuan ng katotohanan at tuluyang makalabas si Tatay Digong sa tamang panahon (I will continue to pray that we are all guided and that the whole world sees the full truth so that Tatay Digong may eventually be released at the right time),” Go said.
“Ang importante ngayon ay patuloy po nating ipagdasal ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ni Tatay Digong (What’s important now is that we continue to pray for Tatay Digong’s safety and health)," he added.