Former presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo suggested that history could repeat itself if former President Rodrigo Duterte dies while in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Panelo pointed out that in the Philippines, the passing of a well-known figure, particularly a former president, has historically led to the political rise of a family member. He cited the example of the late President Cory Aquino, whose death in 2009 sparked a movement that led to her son, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, becoming president in 2010.
“Kung titignan mo ang history natin, kapag namatay ang isang kilalang tao, tulad ng isang presidente, ay nagbubunga ng pag-akyat ng kamag-anak o anak,” Panelo said.
He added that Noynoy Aquino had no presidential ambitions until his mother’s death created a wave of public support that catapulted him to the presidency. Panelo implied that a similar political shift could occur within the Duterte family under the same circumstances.
