Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday, Feb. 23, urged prayers and expressed support for former President Rodrigo Duterte as the latter faces the confirmation of charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
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 added, “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, who is also among those identified by the ICC as co-perpetrators in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, called on supporters to trust the legal process and remain calm.
“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 stressed.
The former Special Assistant to the President, also called on supporters to pray for Duterte’s eventual release from the ICC.
“Ipagdasal po natin ang kalusugan, kaligtasan, at kalayaan ni Tatay Digong,” he said.
The confirmation of charges hearing has been scheduled to start on Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. (Philippine time) to Feb. 27 in the Hague.
Duterte is currently facing crimes against humanity case over the controversial anti-illegal drug campaign of his administration. (Hannah Torregoza)
