Bong Go calls for calm, hope as Duterte’s ICC hearing begins

Senator Bong Go on Monday urged supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte to remain calm and trust the legal process as the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber begins the confirmation of charges hearing for the former leader’s crimes against humanity case. 

Go, a known ally of the Duterte family, said that he is praying for the former president’s courage, peace of mind, and good health throughout the hearing. 

“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,” the senator said in a statement. 

(I call on our countrymen to remain calm, trust the legal process, and not lose hope. In the end, our unity and faith will pave the way for us to see the real truth.) 

“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.”

(May the Lord grant wisdom and guidance to his legal team so that Tatay Digong will be defended well. I also ask God for the continued courage and unity of his family amid this trial.) 

Go was one of the personalities named in a document released by the ICC earlier this month as alleged co-perpetrators of Duterte. The senator described the ICC document as unfounded and unfair. 

Based on the ICC schedule, the Pre-Trial Chamber I will read the charges against Duterte, who will not be present after the ICC granted his request to waive his right to attend the hearings.

Following this, the ICC Prosecutors, the common legal representative of the victims (CLRVs) and Duterte’s defense team will read their opening statements.

Afterwards, the Prosecution will give its submissions on the merits.

The next hearings will be on February 24, February 26, and February 27.

Duterte’s defense team said it is prepared for the former president’s confirmation of charges hearing before the ICC. —AOL, GMA Integrated News