Sen. Bong Go Attends Senate Foreign Relations Committee Probe on Duterte’s Arrest
BONG GO – The Senator and strong ally of former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte insisted that the former Chief Executive is already old and “harmless”.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte was unexpectedly arrested in Manila last March 11 over the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. The former President is faced with an allegation of crimes against humanity over his administration’s drug war.
On the same day that he was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Duterte was flow to The Hague, Netherlands via Dubai. His custody was transferred to the ICC and he is currently detained in the Hague Penitentiary Institution. Senator Bato dela Rosa recently expressed a desire to visit Duterte amid his detention if he will be issued a Visa.
Dela Rosa was the PNP Chief during the implementation of the war on drugs campaign. He recently appeared for the first time in the Senate since his former boss was arrested. He attended the Senate Foreign Relations Committee investigation on Duterte’s arrest.
Aside from Sen. Bato dela Rosa, Sen. Bong Go was also present at the Senate committee inquiry on the arrest of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Based on a report on Inquirer, at the Senate investigation, the Senator stressed that the authorities did not consider the advanced age of the former President.
“Hindi rin ninyo isinaalang-alang na matanda na po si Tatay Digong (Duterte). Ang matatanda po frail, fragile at, sa totoo lang, harmless na po si Tatay Digong,” the Senator said.
Based on the report, Sen. Bong Go stressed that taking care of the old people is a culture in the Philippines. He stressed that former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is currently alone in a foreign country that is also strict.
“Sinong mag-aalaga kay Tatay Digong doon? Paano nalang kung may mangyari sa kanya doon?” he said.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the arrest of former Pres. Duterte is led by Sen. Imee Marcos. However, the recent Senate investigation led by Sen. Imee Marcos was skipped by the cabinet officials which left her lamenting on the alleged use of the executive privilege.