Senator Bong Go expressed support for former President Rodrigo Duterte as the International Criminal Court (ICC) began confirmation of charges hearings on February 23.
In a Facebook post, Go said:
“Sa nakatakdang confirmation hearing ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa International Criminal Court, taimtim kong dalangin ang kanyang lakas ng loob, kapanatagan ng isip, at mabuting kalusugan.”
He also prayed for wisdom and guidance for Duterte’s legal team, unity for his family, and strength amid the proceedings.
“Nawa’y ipagkaloob ng Panginoon ang karunungan at gabay sa kanyang legal team upang buong husay na maipagtanggol si Tatay Digong. Hinihiling ko rin sa Diyos ang patuloy na tibay ng loob at pagkakaisa ng kanyang pamilya sa harap ng pagsubok na ito,” Go added.
Go, who has also been identified by the ICC as among the co-perpetrators in Duterte’s war on drugs, urged supporters to remain calm and trust the legal process.
“Nananawagan ako sa ating mga kababayan na manatiling mahinahon, magtiwala sa proseso ng batas, at huwag mawalan ng pag-asa. Sa huli, ang ating pagkakaisa at pananampalataya ang magbubukas ng daan upang masilayan natin ang tunay na katotohanan,” he said.
The senator further asked the public to pray for Duterte’s health, safety, and eventual release.
“Ipagdasal po natin ang kalusugan, kaligtasan, at kalayaan ni Tatay Digong,” he stressed.
The ICC hearings, scheduled from February 23 to 27 in The Hague, will determine whether charges of crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s anti-illegal drug campaign will proceed to trial.