The recent move by Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to sign the Senate resolution calling for the immediate repatriation of former President Rodrigo Duterte is not merely a political gesture—it is a reaffirmation of our national sovereignty, our cultural values, and our collective pursuit of unity.
Authored by Senator Robinhood Padilla, the resolution is grounded in a principle that transcends partisanship: that justice, accountability, and compassion must be exercised within the framework of our own Constitution and legal system. It is a call to bring home a former head of state who, for over 100 days, has been detained in The Hague under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes committed during his administration’s war on drugs.
This is not a denial of justice. It is a demand that justice be served by Filipinos, for Filipinos, on Philippine soil.
The resolution rightly asserts that the Philippines, as a sovereign nation, has the exclusive right to investigate and prosecute its citizens. To surrender that right to an external body is to erode the very foundation of our independence. If we believe in the strength and integrity of our institutions, then we must trust them to handle even the most complex and controversial cases.
Moreover, the call for Duterte’s repatriation is a call for reconciliation. It is an opportunity to heal the deep divisions that have fractured our national discourse. Whether one supported or opposed his policies, there is no denying that Duterte remains a figure of immense influence and emotional resonance for millions of Filipinos. Bringing him home—whether to face trial or to live out his twilight years with dignity—can help us move forward as a nation.
Senator Padilla’s reference to the successful repatriation of former Congressman Arnulfo Teves Jr. from Timor-Leste is a reminder that diplomatic resolve can prevail, even in the face of legal complexities. The same resolve must now be applied to Duterte’s case.
And if full repatriation proves legally challenging, the resolution offers a pragmatic alternative: interim release under ICC-approved conditions, with safeguards for witness protection and due process. This is not a retreat from accountability—it is a balanced approach that honors both international cooperation and national dignity.
Let us also not forget the human dimension. Former President Duterte is now 80 years old. As Senator Go poignantly noted, our culture teaches us to care for our elders, to respect them, and to ensure they are not abandoned. Duterte, for all his flaws and controversies, served the nation with conviction. He deserves the right to return home, to be with his family, and to face whatever lies ahead with the same courage he once demanded of others.
This resolution is not just about one man. It is about who we are as a people. It is about asserting our right to self-determination, about choosing unity over division, and about ensuring that justice is not only done—but done in a way that reflects our values, our laws, and our humanity.
