Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero acknowledged on Wednesday that overseas supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte have the right to stage a “zero remittance week” as a form of protest, but cautioned that doing so could harm the Philippine economy and hurt their own families.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Escudero said the protest is within the bounds of the law, yet he stressed the possible consequences. “Karapatan nila yon, pero makakasakit ‘yon sa ekonomiya at sa maraming pamilyang umaasa sa kanilang suporta,” he said.
The protest action, proposed by Duterte loyalists abroad, came after his recent arrest and transfer to The Hague, Netherlands, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court for his controversial war on drugs.
Malacañang’s Press Officer Claire Castro also urged supporters to stay calm and think twice before holding back remittances, warning that their own families would bear the brunt. “It’s not just the government who will be affected, but their loved ones too,” she said.
Castro appealed for a balanced approach to prevent any unnecessary harm caused by the planned protest.
