Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte on Wednesday marked the one-year anniversary of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest.
The Vice President said the arrest challenged the country’s democracy and the principles of due process and the rule of law.
She also said the “extraordinary rendition or kidnapping” of the former president shows how the law can be used for political and personal interests.
“Ang naganap na extraordinary rendition o kidnapping kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ay isang seryosong paalala na ang batas ay hindi dapat ginagamit bilang sandata para sa pulitika o personal na interes.”
[Translation: The extraordinary rendition or kidnapping of former President Rodrigo Duterte is a serious reminder that the law should not be used as a weapon for political or personal interests.]
She called on the public to remain vigilant and to strive for a country that honors the law, justice, and sovereignty.
“Ang anibersaryong ito ay isang panawagan para sa ating lahat na manatiling mapagmatyag.”
[Translation: This anniversary is a call for all of us to remain vigilant.]
“Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang isang Pilipinas kung saan ang batas ay kalasag ng katarungan at ang ating soberanya ay iginagalang ng lahat.”
[Translation: Let us together uphold a Philippines where the law serves as a shield of justice and where our sovereignty is respected by all.]
Meanwhile, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte said March 11 was a day when loyalty was met with “rapid betrayal.”
In a statement, the congressman said the Dutertes had only extended a “hand of goodwill” to the Marcos family.
“History will remember how that act of goodwill was repaid,” he said.
Paolo was referring to the former president’s decision — made in the spirit of reconciliation, healing, and respect for history — to allow the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Nov. 18, 2016, during his first few months in office.
He said the current administration’s “propaganda” cannot erase the “truth.”
“The Filipino people will remember. And history will judge,” he said.
