Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Saturday called on the public to remain calm and continue trusting the judicial process following the International Criminal Court’s (ICC’s) denial of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal for interim release.
In a statement, Go said the decision was “deeply saddening,” but emphasized that respect for the rule of law must prevail even amid disappointment.
“It is with utmost sadness that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal for interim release has been denied. Nevertheless, we respect the decision and trust the whole process,” Go said.
Go, longtime aide and closest political ally of the former president, urged supporters of the former president to avoid divisiveness and instead demonstrate solidarity in peaceful and responsible ways.
“Nakakalungkot man ang desisyong ito, patuloy tayong naniniwala na ang katotohanan at katarungan ang mananaig sa huli. Kaya hinihikayat ko ang lahat na manatiling kalmado, magpakatatag, at umiwas sa anumang pagkakawatak-watak,” he added.
Go stressed that Duterte’s legal journey is far from over and that “faith in the law, due process, and in God” should guide Filipinos through this period.
He expressed hope that the truth will eventually be revealed and that the former president will be released “at the right time.”
“Patuloy kong ipagdarasal na gabayan tayong lahat at makita ng buong mundo ang kabuuan ng katotohanan at tuluyang makalabas si Tatay Digong sa tamang panahon,” he said.
The senator also called on the public to continue praying for FPRRD’s safety and health as legal proceedings continue.
Meanwhile, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban), the political party of the former president, also expressed deep regret over ICC’s decision, calling the ruling “disheartening” and “unjust.”
In an official statement, the party said FPRRD deserves a humane and fair process free from political motivations.
“Ikinalulungkot ng PDP-Laban ang desisyon ng ICC na hindi payagan ang interim release ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Naninindigan kami na nararapat siyang mabigyan ng makatao at makatarungang proseso na hindi ginagamit para sa pulitikal na interes,” the party declared.
Despite the setback, PDP–Laban vowed to continue supporting Duterte as his legal battle progresses.
“Sa kabila ng pasyang ito, patuloy ang laban. Hindi uurong ang PDP-Laban, at hindi iiwan si Tatay Digong,” the statement read.
The party also appealed to the public to remain united and steadfast, urging prayers for Duterte’s safety and for justice to prevail.
“Hinihikayat namin ang publiko na manatiling nagkakaisa at patuloy na ipanalangin ang kanyang kaligtasan at katarungan,” PDP–Laban added.
Despite tensions surrounding the case, the party reiterated that calm and collective faith remain essential as the process continues.
