International Criminal Court (L) and former President Rodrigo Duterte. | PHOTOS: ICC and official Facebook page of Rody Duterte
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, former aide of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, urged his supporters to embody Duterte’s public service, sacrifice, and love for the country.
On Duterte’s 80th birthday last March 28, Go recalled how the former president used to celebrate his birthday with cancer patients, a personal tradition.
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“On this day, I just want to extend my heartfelt prayers and support to Tatay Digong. He is a leader who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the Filipino people. Even now, we can still feel his genuine concern,”
“It has been former President Duterte’s tradition to host a simple blowout for cancer patients—something he hardly ever missed. But now that he’s not around, I will continue this. We will provide meals, and we have friends who also want to help by providing food for cancer patients,” he added.
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According to Go, cancer patients whom Duterte used to celebrate his birthday with would also miss him.
“You know, Tatay Digong is a very simple man. He has no airs, especially on his birthday. I remember, for the past 26 years, sometimes we would be in Smokey Mountain—he never threw parties, he wasn’t fond of them. I, too, never had a party in the 26 years I worked with him. I felt shy because if he didn’t celebrate with a party, who am I to do so?” he said in Filipino.
He also commended Duterte’s “compassion,” which he vowed to continue.
“We have focused more on our less fortunate fellow Filipinos. That is what I want to continue. Even with a simple celebration, a prayer rally—let’s come together in prayer. I ask everyone to stay calm. I appeal to our fellow Filipinos: Let us pray for Tatay Digong. Let us pray for his health. Let us pray for his safety. He is alone, and he is in a difficult situation. And let us pray for his freedom,” Go said in Filipino.
“We continue to believe in the legal process and in the institutions that fulfill their duties. In times like these, it is even more important to stand firm on the principles of justice,” he added.
Go also expressed his personal message of encouragement for Duterte.
“[Tatay Digong], so many people love you. On your birthday, we pray for your strength and peace of mind. Let us stay strong and trust in the right process,” he said in Filipino.
“Even though we are saddened by what is happening to Tatay Digong, I always remember his advice to me: Just do what is right. Prioritize the nation’s interest. Put the welfare of the Filipino people, especially the poor, first, and you will never go wrong,” he added.
Duterte is currently detained at the Scheveningen Prison on the order of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. He is facing a case of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s drug war.
He was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his arrival from Hong Kong on March 11 and was flown to the ICC headquarters the same day.
He made his first appearance before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I on March 14, where he was informed of his charges and rights under the ICC Rome Statute.
His confirmation of charges is scheduled for September 23.
The Duterte administration’s drug war claimed at least 6,000 lives, according to official government data. However, human rights watchdogs estimated the death toll from the drug war to be between 12,000 and 30,000 from 2016 to 2019.