SENATORIAL candidate Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan met with Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte on Monday, expressing his deep gratitude to the Duterte family and outlining his plan to petition the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the return of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the Philippines.
Honasan, who served as DICT Secretary under President Duterte, emphasized his personal connection to the family, citing their support during his senatorial campaign and their long-standing friendship, rooted in their shared membership in the Guardians Brotherhood.
He stressed that his visit was not politically motivated but stemmed from a desire to uphold Philippine sovereignty and protect a fellow Filipino.
“I am here not out of politics but as a Filipino who loves our country and believes in recognizing the sovereignty of our Republic and protecting every Filipino from the interference of foreigners,” Honasan stated.
Honasan strongly criticized the ICC’s jurisdiction over Duterte, calling it “a slap in the face and a betrayal of our nation’s courts and laws.”
He questioned the legitimacy of trying a former Philippine president in a foreign court, arguing that it undermines the country’s judicial system.
“Do we admit that we are a ‘failed state’? Do we truly believe that our judicial process is worthless and the laws of the Republic of the Philippines are ineffective?” Honasan asked.
He drew a parallel to the government’s efforts to repatriate Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) facing legal challenges abroad, asking why a similar courtesy was not being extended to the former president.
Honasan also highlighted Duterte’s advanced age, urging compassion.
Honasan announced his intention to file a petition with the ICC, invoking the court’s rules that allow for public participation in proceedings.
He aims to gather widespread support from Filipinos and organizations, both domestically and internationally, to pressure the ICC to return Duterte to the Philippines.
“At this point, we will submit a petition to the ICC to bring President Duterte back to his home country, the Philippines. This petition is in accordance with the rules and regulations of the ICC, allowing the people to participate directly in the ongoing proceedings,” Honasan said.
The petition seeks to assert the Philippines’ judicial sovereignty and ensure that Duterte, if facing charges, is tried within the country’s legal framework.
Honasan called for unity among Filipinos in defending the nation’s dignity and upholding its laws.
