The Philippine Government’s admission that a so-called “welfare check” was surreptitiously conducted confirms that the ICC has allowed agents of the government that abducted former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to intrude upon him and exploit his frail and compromised health, Vice President Sara Duterte said in a press statement
This is nothing less than an abuse of power against a vulnerable individual, the Vice President said.
In addition, credible information received by the family from hospital sources reveals that the former president had to be subjected to laboratory tests after being found unconscious on the floor of his room. The family was not informed of the “accident” and no explanation was given. These alarming developments raise grave concerns about the capacity of the ICC to guarantee the security and safety of FPRRD, Duterte said.
Even the most basic care for the complaint of an ingrown toenail — easily treatable — cannot be done swiftly. The ICC has persistently ignored the clear need for a 24-hour bedside caregiver, she said.
Duterte said the continued detention of Former President Duterte under such troubling conditions is not only unjust but inhumane. It amounts to punishment without having been convicted of any crime.
If the ICC is to remain true to its mandate as a court of justice, it cannot turn a blind eye to the health and wellness condition of FPRRD. To deprive an elderly man — abducted, denied his rights under Philippine law, and subjected to surveillance disguised as “welfare checks” — of basic dignity and proper care is not justice. This is cruelty, she said.
FPRRD is not a flight risk, has never threatened witnesses or complainants, and has no intent to assume the office of Mayor. There is no other reason for his continued detention except to make him suffer for the complaint of a disgraced former Senator, Duterte said.
The ICC should act now to rectify this gross injustice and ensure that Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is afforded the proper care and, ultimately, the humanitarian considerations he rightfully deserves, she added.*
