A group of well-known personalities, led by former Senator Gringo Honasan, has started a signature campaign to bring back former President Rodrigo Duterte to the Philippines from The Hague.
Gathering Signatures Nationwide
Honasan, who is also running for senator, announced the campaign during a press conference on Wednesday. He explained that they will collect signatures both in person and online.
“We will set up a desk at Liwasang Bonifacio for people who want to sign the petition,” Honasan said. “For Filipinos abroad, they can join the campaign online.”
Honasan hopes that through this campaign, they can submit a petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to bring Duterte back to the country. However, he did not specify how many signatures they are aiming for. The goal is to file the petition as soon as possible.
Honasan’s Stand: This is for the Filipino People
Honasan clarified that the petition is not about supporting or opposing any political leader.
“This is not an anti-President Bongbong Marcos movement, and this is not just a pro-Duterte initiative. This is for the Filipino people,” he explained. “We are reaching out to the ICC and the Supreme Court to help resolve this issue and bring clarity to the public.”
Why is Duterte in The Hague?
Earlier this month, former President Duterte was arrested and taken to The Hague in the Netherlands due to accusations of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s war on drugs. The arrest has caused division among Filipinos, with some supporting it and others protesting against it.
Government’s Response
Malacañang (the Philippine government) acknowledged that Honasan has the right to file a petition. However, they advised him to discuss it first with Duterte’s legal team.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said, “It’s his right to defend Duterte, but it would be best if he talks to Duterte’s lawyers first. Otherwise, the ICC might just ignore his petition.”
She added, “The government will not interfere. The ICC’s legal system is not under our responsibility anymore.”
Honasan’s Own Initiative
Despite the Palace’s suggestion, Honasan insisted that he does not need to depend on Duterte’s legal team.
“Why should I rely on their opinion? This is our initiative,” he said. “If we let Duterte’s lawyers handle it, people might think this is just a pro-Duterte campaign.”
SAGIP Party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta also defended the independence of the petition. He pointed out that ICC rules allow non-government organizations (NGOs) and individuals to submit concerns directly.
Concerns About Duterte’s Arrest
Marcoleta also questioned the process of Duterte’s arrest, saying there were many unclear details. He pointed out that the arrest warrant was shown through a cellphone instead of a physical document.
He also asked whether a representative from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) was present. He noted that Duterte’s rights were read by a local police officer instead of an Interpol official, which he believes was not the proper procedure.
No People Power for Now
Meanwhile, Honasan disagreed with former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s suggestion for a mass protest or “people power” movement to demand Duterte’s return.
“I don’t think that’s the best solution,” Honasan said. “We have done that before. Every time we take shortcuts, does it strengthen democracy? Does it ensure people’s rights and security? If the answer is yes, then let’s do it. But if not, let’s be patient and find a better solution.”
The petition drive continues, with supporters gathering signatures both in the Philippines and overseas. Whether it will have an impact on the ICC’s decision remains to be seen.
