Marcos loyalists stage a protest in front of the Senate in Pasay City on Monday, May 6, 2024 calling on the gov’t to allow ICC to probe former President Duterte’s war on drugs. (Photo from NOY MORCOSO /INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — Supporters of President “Bongbong” Marcos, who deemed themselves as “loyalists,” gathered outside the Senate complex on Monday, urging the administration to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and allow the entry of its probers in the Philippines.
Jean Diaz, a Marcos supporter since 1986, told INQUIRER.net that an estimated 300 “loyalists” have participated in the rally.
She said the protest was held because former President Rodrigo Duterte’s actions are “no longer acceptable.”
Diaz was pertaining to Duterte’s drug allegations against Marcos as well as the former chief executive’s “gentleman’s agreement” with China.
READ: Marcos shoots back: Ex-president Duterte takes fentanyl
“Talagang ipaglalaban namin ito dahil sa ginagawa ng mga Duterte. Hindi na karapat-dapat. Hindi na makatarungan. Nananawagan kami sa ating Pangulo — President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM), papasukin mo na ang ICC para manahimik na [at] magkaroon ng katahimikan ang ating bansa,” said Diaz in an interview on the sidelines of the protest.
(We will really fight for this because of what the Dutertes are doing. This is no longer justified and acceptable. We are appealing to our President — PBBM, allow the entry of ICC so that our country can finally achieve peace.)
READ: Trillanes: ICC contacted 50 past, present PNP officials on Duterte case
“Harap harapan kong sinasabi ito — gahaman sa kapangyarihan ang mga Duterte. Dapat yan panagutin sa mga ginawa niya noong administrasyon niya. Napakaraming namatay, nabawian ng buhay. Kawawa ang mga pamilya nila,” she added.
(I am saying this frankly — Dutertes are greedy when it comes to power. He should be held accountable for what he did during this administration. Many people have been killed. I pity their families.)
Marcos has repeatedly stated that his administration will “not lift a finger” to help the ICC in conducting its probe on the alleged rights abuse during Duterte’s brutal drug campaign.
READ: Marcos: PH won’t assist ICC probe
Notwithstanding this, Diaz, along with other supporters of the administration, said it is high time to allow ICC in the Philippines.
“Dahil ang [mga] Duterte ngayon ang maninira — pilit na sinisira ka. Pilit na sinisira ang administrasyon. Pilit na pinababagsak ang ating bansa. Wala silang pagmamahal sa ating bansa — pansarili lang ang kanilang mga iniisip,” said Diaz.
(Because Dutertes are going to destroy you. They are destroying the administration and they are praying for the downfall of our country. They do not love the Philippines and they are only thinking about their own sake.)