Palace won't stop public from sympathizing with Duterte

Malacañang said Friday that it would not prevent the public, particularly supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte, in voicing their sentiments as regards the recent developments on his legal battle before the International Criminal Court.

At a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said it is the right of supporters to sympathize with the former president.

'''Yung mga nakikisimpatya po sa dating Pangulong Duterte, karapatan po nila 'yan. Hindi po 'yan pipigilan, karapatan po nila na malungkot, magdalamhati para kay dating Pangulong Duterte,'' Castro said.

(Those who sympathize with former President Duterte, it's their right. We will not prevent that, it's their right to be sad and to sympathize with former President Duterte.)

''Wala pa po tayong nakikitang makaalarma po sa administrasyon,'' he added.

(We don't see anything alarming yet for our administration.)

Castro said the government would act if the actions of the Duterte supporters are already alarming.

At the same press briefing, Castro said there is no need for a loyalty check among the police and military following Duterte's arrest.

''Loyalty check? Wala po, kampante po ang Pangulo. Ang ginawa naman po ng administrasyon ay naaayon sa batas,'' Castro said.

(Loyalty check? None. The President is confident. What we did was in accordance with the law.)

On Tuesday morning, authorities served a warrant of arrest from the ICC against Duterte for crimes against humanity in connection with his drug war.

The plane carrying Duterte departed the Philippines on Tuesday evening heading to The Hague in the Netherlands.

Early Thursday morning (Philippine time), Duterte entered the Hague Penitentiary Institution or the Scheveningen Prison where he is set to be held while awaiting trial.

Duterte's first appearance at the ICC has been set for Friday evening, Manila time. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News