Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa have formally signed a Senate resolution calling for the immediate repatriation of former President Rodrigo Duterte from The Hague, Netherlands, where he has been detained for over 100 days over alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
The resolution, authored by Senator Robinhood Padilla, emphasized that Duterte’s return would foster reconciliation and national unity, allowing the government to refocus its efforts on addressing the country’s pressing needs.
Padilla expressed gratitude for the support of Go and Dela Rosa and reiterated that he remains open to any senator who wishes to sign the resolution.
“The Senate affirms that the immediate repatriation of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the Philippines is a vital step toward fostering reconciliation and national unity, and that his investigation and prosecution by Philippine authorities will uphold national sovereignty and the Philippines’ exclusive right to hold its citizens accountable under its Constitution and legal system,” the resolution stated.
Padilla added that such repatriation is possible, citing the Philippine government’s successful diplomatic efforts that led to the return of former Congressman Arnulfo Teves Jr. from Timor-Leste in May 2025, despite the Timor-Leste Court of Appeal’s rejection of the Philippines’ extradition request.
According to the resolution, “Should a full repatriation free from ICC (International Criminal Court) jurisdiction prove impracticable, the Philippine government should, at minimum, and on an ad cautelam basis and without accepting ICC’s jurisdiction, secure former President Duterte’s interim release to the Philippines under conditions acceptable to the ICC, including measures to ensure the protection and safety of witnesses, enabling him to spend his remaining years in his homeland with family and loved ones while awaiting trial.”
“Hindi ito basta panukala. Ito ay panawagan ng pagkakaisa, paggalang sa ating kasarinlan, at katarungan para sa isang Pangulong buong tapang na naglingkod sa bayan,” Padilla said.
In June this year, coinciding with the 100th day since Duterte’s arrest, Senator Go urged Filipinos to continue praying and hoping for the former president’s return.
“Matanda na si Tatay Digong, 80 years old na siya. Kultura natin na inaalagaan ang mga matatanda, ginagalang at hindi pinapabayaan. Mas nais na lang niyang manilbihan sa Davao City,” Go said.
He stressed that Duterte had simply done his duty for the good of the country and its children.
“At sa tingin ko, sa resulta pa lang ng nakaraang eleksyon, hindi na natin maitatanggi — nag-desisyon na ang taumbayan,” he added.
