Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Tuesday, March 11 called on Filipinos to stay calm amid developments on the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“In this time of heightened emotions and division, I call on the Filipino people to remain calm and exercise sobriety as the legal proceedings unfold,” Estrada said in a statement.
“We must refrain from engaging in any form of violence, spreading misinformation, or taking actions that may only further polarize our country,” he said.
Like any Filipino citizen, Estrada said the former leader is entitled to legal recourse.
“And as a lawyer, he knows the proper steps to take. I trust that his rights will be respected and protected,” the lawmaker stressed.
He also said maintaining unity and stability in the country crucial as the nation navigates this challenging chapter in history.
“Matibay at gumagana ang ating justice system kaya’t naniniwala ako na matitiyak na dadaan sa tamang proseso ang lahat at alinsunod ito sa mga umiiral na batas (Our justice system is strong and functioning, so I believe that we can ensure that everything will go through the proper process and in accordance with existing laws),” Estrada said.