Former President Rodrigo Duterte has requested Senator Robinhood Padilla to return to the Philippines to campaign for PDP-Laban candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.
Padilla stated that Duterte, the PDP-Laban chairman, believes his presence is essential for strengthening the party’s electoral chances. Duterte, who is currently detained at Scheveningen Prison in The Hague awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC), expressed that Padilla could be more effective in assisting the party from the Philippines.
Padilla had traveled to The Hague as part of Vice President Sara Duterte’s group to visit the former president following his arrest on March 11.
Senate President Francis Escudero clarified that Padilla’s trip was private and did not require Senate travel authority, which is only necessary for official travel.
Padilla indicated his intention to comply with Duterte’s request to return to the Philippines, while also expressing his desire to return to The Hague to accompany the former president. He also mentioned that Duterte continues to receive support from family, friends, supporters, and the Filipino community in the Netherlands.
Regarding Vice President Duterte, Padilla reported that she is in good spirits and actively involved in overseeing the formation of the former president’s legal team.