VP Sara commemorates first anniversary of father's 'kidnapping'
Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, March 11, commemorated what she called the first anniversary of an event that trampled on Philippine democracy and the principle of due process and rule of law.
Duterte was referring to what she alleged as the "extraordinary rendition or kidnapping" of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, when he was arrested by Interpol for charges of crime against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
A year later, the former leader remains detained at the Hague.
"Ang pagyurak sa karapatan ng isang indibidwal sa pamamagitan ng mga iregular na proseso ay hindi lamang pag-atake sa katarungan; ito ay hamon sa ating pambansang soberanya (The violation of an individual's rights through irregular processes is not just an attack on justice but a challenge to our national sovereignty)," the Vice President said in a video message.
"Ang isang tunay na malayang bansa ay pinapatakbo ng sariling mga institusyon na malaya mula sa anumang panlabas na panghihimasok o dikta (A nation that is truly free and independent must be run by its own institutions and independent from any external interference)," she added.
Duterte said the commemoration of the anniversary of the former president's kidnapping is a call for all of us to become vigilant.
The country's institutions must remain free, honest, and strong against any challenges to bend justice, as no Filipino should be deprived of the protection of our Constitution, she said.
"Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang isang Pilipinas kung saan ang batas ay kalasag ng katarungan at ang ating soberanya ay iginagalang ng lahat (Let's uphold a nation where the law is a shield of justice and the sovereignty is respected by all)," she said.
"Patuloy nating ipaglaban ang dangal ng ating bansa (Let's continue fighting for the honor of our country)," she added, "Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas—para sa Diyos, sa Bayan, at bawat Pamilyang Pilipino (Let's love the Philippines, for God, for nation and for every Filipino family)."