Former President Rodrigo Duterte insisted that his actions during his administration’s war on drugs were for the Filipino people, not for personal gain, as he addressed reports of a looming arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“I did everything during my term as president not for myself and my family but for the Filipino people,” Duterte said during a campaign event for PDP-Laban senatorial candidates in Hong Kong on Sunday.
He dismissed the ICC’s long-standing pursuit of him, saying, “Kaya naman ako, nakita ninyo na patong-patong ang kaso ko… Ang balita ko, may warrant daw ako pag… hindi, totoo, ‘yung sa ICC or something, matagal na akong hinahabol ng mga p i*.”
Duterte maintained that his administration’s aggressive anti-drug campaign was necessary for public safety.
“Tayo mga ayaw ng gulo, napipilitan tayo to confront evil because nandyan sa harap natin. Sino ba namang gustong pumatay? p** i* ‘yan. Why would I waste my time?” he said.
Jokingly, the former president asked the crowd to contribute funds for a monument in his honor if he ends up behind bars.
“Kaya lang in the meantime, mag-contribute kayo, maski five dollars, 10 dollars. Para paglabas ko sa presuhan, pagawaan ninyo akong monumento katabi ni [Jose] Rizal,” he quipped.
Duterte reportedly left the Philippines for Hong Kong on March 7, a day before information allegedly leaked about a possible ICC arrest warrant against him.
Meanwhile, the Marcos administration assured the public that it is prepared for any developments regarding the case.
“The government is prepared for any eventuality,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz said.
The Philippine National Police also echoed this stance, with PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Randulf Tuaño stating they are “prepared for any eventualities.”
However, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that they have yet to receive confirmation from Malacañang regarding the ICC warrant.
