THREE prominent senators – Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and Robinhood Padilla – jointly filed a Senate resolution on Monday, advocating for the Philippine government to seek the interim release of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte from detention in The Hague, Netherlands, on humanitarian grounds.
The resolution specifically calls for a house arrest arrangement for Duterte, citing his advanced age and rapidly deteriorating health.
The resolution highlights that former President Duterte has now been detained for over 100 days at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center.
He awaits trial for alleged crimes against humanity stemming from his administration’s intense anti-illegal drugs campaign.
The senators underscored that Duterte’s current condition, marked by advanced age, worsening health, and isolation from his family, necessitates urgent humanitarian consideration.
Family members who have visited him reportedly described a significant decline in his health, noting drastic weight loss due to appetite loss, exacerbated by the cold climate in The Hague.
They reported that Duterte appears weak, struggles to walk, and is “skin and bones,” a stark contrast to his previous image.
Despite his current predicament, the resolution notes that Duterte, in a video message uploaded on March 13 while en route to The Hague, reaffirmed his readiness to face the proceedings.
This, the senators say, signals his clear intent not to evade accountability for his service and sacrifices for the country.
The proposed resolution also recalls earlier reports suggesting that upon Duterte’s arrival in the Netherlands, he was reportedly offered the possibility of house arrest in a rented residence, which would allow him access to his own doctor, nurse, and family members.
However, the senators lamented that no tangible developments on this option have materialized since.
While acknowledging the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019, the senators firmly asserted that this withdrawal does not preclude the government from advocating for humane treatment for a Filipino citizen, especially a former head of state.
They urged the Philippine government to act swiftly and in good conscience, engaging diplomatically with the ICC to secure an arrangement that ensures Duterte’s health and dignity as legal proceedings continue.
The resolution concludes by affirming the senators’ collective position that humanitarian considerations must guide the government’s engagement with the ICC on this matter, ensuring that Duterte is afforded humane conditions consistent with his age, health, and service to the nation.
Senator Go made a heartfelt appeal to the Filipino people regarding the former president’s situation.
“Kaya nananawagan po ako sa buong sambayanang Pilipino. Ipagdasal po natin ang kalusugan, kaligtasan, at kalayaan ni Tatay Digong. Huwag po tayong tumigil hangga’t hindi siya nakakauwi,” Go passionately stated.
Despite the resolution’s immediate focus on Duterte’s welfare, Senator Go reiterated his long-standing belief that the Philippines possesses a robust judicial system capable of determining accountability for any citizen in accordance with its own laws.
He challenged Filipinos to reflect honestly on the positive impacts of Duterte’s anti-crime policies, declaring, “Pilipino na po ang humusga kung sa tingin ninyong mas nakakalakad ba ang inyong mga anak na hindi nasasaktan at hindi nababastos.”
Senator Go also took the opportunity to express his deep respect and gratitude for former President Duterte, whom he credits as his inspiration for entering public service.
“Naging inspirasyon ko si Tatay Digong sa aking pagseserbisyo sa mga Pilipino. Kaya napakalaki ng aking pasasalamat sa kanya. Hinding-hindi ‘yan matutumbasan ng kahit ano pa man. Salamat sa kanyang mga advice sa akin, mga pangaral, at mga paalala,” Go said.
Photo courtesy of Senator Bong Go
