VICE President Duterte attends a Mass for former President Duterte in Davao City. (Inday Sara Duterte FB)
DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte called the continued detention of her father, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, at the International Criminal Court in The Hague as unjust.
The Vice President attended Mass on Wednesday afternoon, March 11, at San Pedro Cathedral here praying for the safe return of the former President.
Speaking to Davao media after the Mass, Vice President Duterte stressed that public anger over former President Duterte’s situation for a year now extends beyond Davao City.
“It is unimaginable for any government to send a citizen abroad for detention and trial on crimes against humanity without proper evidence and witnesses,” Vice President Duterte said.
She added that the public’s anger will not subside until former President Duterte returns home to the Philippines, especially to his family in Davao City.
Vice President Duterte criticized the ICC’s interim ruling denying the former President’s release. “Every time there is an opportunity to apply for interim release, we do it, even if we expect it to be denied.”
The Vice President thanked the Filipino people for their prayers and support for her father. “We are grateful for the prayers for his (FPRRD) freedom and safe return.”
Day of injustice
Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte described March 11 as a historic day of injustice after the former President was taken from his own country and flown thousands of miles away to The Hague exactly one year ago.
The incident, Rep. Duterte said, happened under the watch of the administration “that chose political vengeance over gratitude.” He added that for the Duterte family, this was not merely a political event.
“A father was taken away from his children and grandchildren, and a man who spent his life fighting crime, protecting communities, and serving the Filipino people was removed from the nation he fought for today,” he said.
The lawmaker accused the administration of betraying the goodwill extended by the former President to the Marcos family during the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.’s burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City a few years ago.
Hopeful for return
Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II hopes his grandfather would return, emphasizing that the family focuses on personal matters during visits.
“We hope and pray he can come home soon,” said Vice Mayor Duterte who disclosed that former President Duterte is well taken care of by medical professionals at the ICC but would be better if he is with family.
“What makes this moment impossible to forget is the contradiction that accompanied it,” Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat party-list Rep. Harold Duterte said in a statement.
Harold recalled President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. repeatedly declared that the Philippines would not cooperate with the ICC.
“Yet it was our own police and military institutions, sworn to defend the Republic, that carried out and facilitated the kidnapping of a former President to a foreign jurisdiction,” the lawmaker said.
“Never mind that the National Prosecution Service falls under the direct control and supervision of the Office of the President,” he added.
Harold said it proved easier for the administration to surrender one Filipino leader than to stand firmly for the sovereignty of the country’s institutions.
Harold said the Filipino people remember that this government chose the easy route, the same route people see today, reflected in several unanswered questions confronting this government.
“From controversies surrounding flood control projects and allegations of cash-filled luggage, to promises that powerful figures would be jailed before Christmas that have yet to materialize,” he added.
Harold said the country has been dragged into endless political maneuvering, including the relentless push to impeach Vice President Duterte, while many Filipinos continue to struggle abroad, including those facing crises in the Middle East who deserve attention and protection.
“One hope remains in the hearts of many Filipinos. That one day, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will be able to return home to the country and the people he served,” Harold said.