Castro takes digs at Digong ‘monument’: Public should pick heroes

Malacañang Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro has said that the public — not individuals themselves — should determine who deserves to be called a hero.

“Maybe declaring someone a hero shouldn't be the one saying it — the people should be the ones saying it if they're a hero and building a monument for them,” Castro said in a Palace briefing.

Her statement came in response to former President Rodrigo Duterte's remarks asking overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to contribute funds for a monument in his honor after he is released from prison.

Reports surfaced on Saturday alleging that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Duterte, who is being investigated for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the bloody war on drugs during his time as Davao City mayor and later as president.

Addressing supporters in Hong Kong, Duterte appeared to accept his fate but appealed for financial contributions toward a future monument in his honor.

“What I ask of you, after all, this is all my luck in life. It's okay, I'll accept that. There's nothing we can do. [Either they] arrest us or lock us up,” he said.

“So in the meantime, contribute even 5 dollars, 10 dollars so that when I get out of prison, you can build me a monument. Next to Rizal,” he added.

Duterte also defended his actions, claiming that his administration sought to bring peace to the country.

“What is my fault? I did everything in my time to bring some peace and quiet to the lives of Filipinos. The problem with (ICC), [they say] I am the one who is killing,” he stated.

When asked for comment, Castro said Duterte has made several admissions in both the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee hearing and the Senate regarding his role in the drug war.

“First of all, he said that he encouraged, he did order the police officers to encourage the suspect to fight — for what? What was the purpose? He said, he admitted that it was also used for defense, because when a suspect fights, it can be said to be self-defense on the part of the police officers — but that should not be the case; there should be a due process,” Castro said.

She stressed that all suspects or accused individuals have the right to due process, adding that shortcuts in law enforcement should not be tolerated.

"Why did he do that? To quickly resolve the problem, to immediately reduce the problem, that's not the way to do it — isn't that a sin?” she added.

Castro also urged those applauding Duterte's remarks to consider the victims of the drug war who were denied due process.

“Maybe those who were not victims of EJK and [the] bloody Tokhang may be striving and applauding, but what about those who died and their families who lost their loved ones simply because no due process was given to them?” she said.

As of press time, Duterte remains overseas after attending a campaign rally for his party’s senatorial candidates and a thanksgiving gathering for OFWs.