Former senator Gringo Honasan on Monday bared that he will lead a signature campaign via people’s initiative petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the immediate return of former President Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines.
Honasan was in the city to meet Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and to express his support to the Duterte family.
In a statement, Honasan said the arrest of the former president, taken to another country and tried under foreign laws is a slap in the face and a betrayal of the nation’s courts and laws.
“I am here not out of politics but as a Filipino who loves our country and believes in recognizing the sovereignty of our republic and protecting every Filipino from the interference of foreigners. The arrest of President Duterte to be taken to another country and tried under foreign laws is a slap in the face and a betrayal of our nation’s courts and laws. It is embarrassing for other countries and their citizens to know that we are turning our backs on our compatriot, our former President, and betraying him to the jurisdiction of the ICC, even though our courts are functioning and our laws are being upheld,” Honasan said.
Honasan said they will submit a petition, which is in accordance with the rules and regulations of the ICC, allowing the people to participate directly in the ongoing proceedings.
“We aim to gather as many signatures as possible and extend invitations to other organizations to join us in our efforts to bring back former President Rodrigo Duterte and uphold the sovereignty of our laws, courts, and the dignity of the Filipino nation,” he said.
“Ako ay andito para ipahayag ang aking pagtulong at pagsuporta lagi sa inyo,” Honasan told Mayor Duterte during their meeting at the City Hall of Davao.
Honasan added that his visit in the city aims to personally express his gratitude for the generosity of the former president in taking care of his son during his time as a rebel.
“First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to the esteemed Mayor Baste Duterte for welcoming me here in the city of Davao. I have come to deliver my message of concern to former President Rodrigo Duterte, whom I served as DICT Secretary. I owe a personal and significant debt of gratitude to the Duterte family, who has been supportive of me since my senatorial run when he was the Mayor of Davao City. Mayor Duterte is a fellow member of the Guardians Brotherhood, and beyond politics, we have maintained a strong friendship over the years,” he said.
Where can we register for signature to release former president Duterte?