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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Key Cebu political figures back former President Duterte

Key Cebu political figures back former President Duterte

Published Mar 13, 2025 12:49 am

CEBU CITY – Key political figures in Cebu have expressed support for former President Rodrigo Duterte as the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) was placed on heightened alert following the developments in the nation’s capital.

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DUTERTE 

Dismissed Mayors Jonas Cortes of Mandaue City and Michael Rama of Cebu City questioned the legality of Duterte’s arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

"The legal issues surrounding the arrest need to be addressed. I think it is best that this be brought to court for a more objective appreciation of facts," Cortes said in a statement.

Despite the political division, due process and the rule of law must prevail, Cortes said.

Congressional candidate and former Mandaue City treasurer Regal Oliva questioned ICC’s jurisdiction over Duterte, emphasizing that the Philippines withdrew from the court in 2019.

"If the Marcos administration moves to implement this, it will undoubtedly trigger legal battles, with the Supreme Court possibly stepping in. More than that, we cannot ignore the political repercussions – will this decision ignite unrest among Duterte’s loyal supporters?" said Oliva, a lawyer.

Rama described the arrest as a “grave attack on democracy.”

"With the warrantless arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, democracy appears to be in jeopardy," Rama said.  "The whole process of the arrest today (Tuesday) was not only a disgrace to the Filipino people but a betrayal of public trust."

Rama said Duterte’s arrest was politically motivated and even compared the situation to the 1983 assassination of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. upon his return to the Philippines.

A candle-lighting vigil was held at the Plaza Independencia here on Tuesday night.

Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro called for prayers for the former President.

“It’s a sad day for the Philippines. The former President’s supporters have been calling me and crying. Let us pray for PRRD,” Baricuatro said.

Police Lt. Col. Marica Macatangay, deputy city director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office, said personnel from the City Mobile Force Company will be deployed to areas where pro or anti-Duterte rallies may be held.

“Our police are on heightened alert. We are monitoring because of the recent events and our patrolling and anti-criminality strategies are in place,” said Macatangay.

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International Criminal Court (ICC) President Duterte Cebu province
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