Escudero to candidates: Do not exploit Duterte arrest for political gain
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines — A day after former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, Senate President Chiz Escudero urged fellow lawmakers to avoid using the issue to “fan the flames of partisanship” for their midterm election campaigns.
In a statement on Wednesday, Escudero said the arrest of Duterte on charges of alleged crimes against humanity is a serious issue that should not be used for anyone’s political gain.
“As we move forward, I urge our kababayan to approach this moment with the restraint and respect displayed yesterday by the protagonists from both sides,” said Escudero.
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“I also call on those running in the midterm elections to refrain from using this issue to fan the flames of partisanship in order to further their candidacies as this is a serious issue that involves lives and should not be trifled with for petty personal or political gain,” he added.
According to Escudero, he is certain that the incident would elicit “diverse reactions” borne from differing perspectives on the matter, but he said debate and disagreement are natural in a democracy.
“As this legal process unfolds, we expect the International Criminal Court to respect the rights of former President Duterte and to ensure that he is afforded due process in accordance with the Rule of Law,” said Escudero.
READ: Arrested Duterte to face legacy of thousands killed in drug crackdown
He then proceeded to reflect on the peaceful and orderly service of the arrest warrant against the ex-chief executive, noting that the notice was carried out without any “incident.”
He said this proves the nation’s commitment to upholding international agreements, as well as the maturity, civility, calm, and professionalism of all those involved.
Duterte was served an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court upon arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Hong Kong on March 11.
The arrest warrant was issued on the grounds of alleged crimes against humanity he committed for the brutal drug campaign he orchestrated when he was still in power.
