Discerning
WITH former President Rodrigo Duterte in the International Criminal Court (ICC) custody, it is uncertain when he will return to the Philippines.
Unfortunately for Duterte, the general perception is that he will be detained in The Hague, Netherlands, for a long time. His trial is set for September this year, which is more than six months away.
And we are also told the trial could last for many years. Fast aging, Duterte might even pass away before a decision on his case is made.
Granting that he lives longer to hear the verdict, Duterte may also never return home if he is convicted by the ICC of the crimes against humanity, which is said to have a corresponding penalty of up to 30 years of imprisonment or even life sentence.
The evidence of prosecutors at the ICC against Duterte is strong.
Given these, it’s a wonder why there are speculations about Duterte’s return to the country. What’s more puzzling is the insinuation that his life is in danger if he comes home.
In a press briefing, Malacañang said it has not received any reports of threats against the life of the former president.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded to claims made by Vice President Sara Duterte that her father is in danger.
Castro’s statement clarified that he continues to be in ICC custody in The Hague.
“Iyon nga po nakakapagtaka eh. Saan po ba nakukuha itong mga kuwento na ganito? Saan po nakukuha ang pagkukumpara kay dating (Sen.) Ninoy Aquino? Saan nakukuha iyong mga threats,” Castro asked.
Even the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had not received the supposed death threats against the Vice President’s life.
“Hanggang ngayon iyong sinasabing threats kay VP Sara, hindi pa rin po naipapakita sa NBI at saka sa PNP (Philippine National Police),” Castro said.
Duterte was taken into custody by the ICC on March 11, following an arrest warrant issued by the ICC and executed by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
The former leader was flown to the ICC Headquarters at The Hague, where he is currently awaiting trial for crimes against humanity, specifically the killings that occurred during his administration’s war on illegal drugs.
The younger Duterte warned that her father could face the same fate as the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who was assassinated on the tarmac of what was then known as Manila International Airport, now Ninoy Aquino International Airport, when he insisted on coming home on August 21, 1983.
But Castro dismissed the vice president’s statements as fake news.
“Wala pong katotohanan iyan,” she said.
The spread of fake news went into overdrive after the arrest of Duterte. We must become very discerning today.
