‘Hindi na mababalik si Pangulong Duterte sa Pilipinas’

National

SUPPORTERS of former President Rodrigo Duterte are clamoring for his return to the country.

While some are still hoping to see the former president back home, Vice President Sara Duterte is resigned to the idea that her father may no longer be able to return home.

The vice president addressed the issue in a virtual press conference on Thursday, March 20.

In a Philippine Star report, the vice president was asked about the alleged involvement of National Security Adviser Eduardo Año in the arrest of her father by the International Criminal Court.

“Sa totoo lang wala talaga akong nararamdaman. Hindi ako galit, hindi ako disappointed. Nothing at all. Kasi pointless naman na… magharbor ako ng feelings about what happened. Hindi na siya maibabalik. Hindi na mababalik si Pangulong Duterte sa Pilipinas.

The former president was taken into custody by authorities before being transferred to the ICC, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

In a report by GMA News, Vice President Duterte emphasized that Filipinos should move forward rather than focus on past events.

“So what we should do as a country is move on from what happened. What will we do as [we move] forward as a country and as a people from what happened. Magalit man tayo, walang mapupuntahan ‘yung galit natin dahil hindi naman ‘yan sila pananagutin ng pamahalaan eh,”

Reactions to the arrest have been divided.

Human rights organizations and families affected by the drug war have called it a step toward justice, while Duterte’s supporters, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao, have held protests denouncing the move.(Justin Aquino Quidol, BIPSU Comm Intern)