Several Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from different parts of Europe traveled long hours to The Hague, Netherlands, to express their support for former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) following a warrant issued by the ICC over charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his controversial war on drugs.

Senator Robin Padilla, a known Duterte ally, went live on Facebook, capturing the emotional gathering of OFWs who stood outside the ICC headquarters, chanting and holding banners in solidarity with the former leader. Many had traveled for hours — some even crossing borders — to be there.

‘Duterte gave us hope’

One OFW, who was originally from Bohol, recalled how Duterte’s candidacy in 2016 reignited her hope for the Philippines. She made sure to register as a voter and cast her ballot for him, believing that he could bring real change to the nation.

“Naniwala na ako na may pag-asa pa tayo. Ngayon, bumalik nanaman 'yung mga korap na politician na walang paninindigan. Kailangan tayong mga Pilipino, lumaban tayo!” she declared, emphasizing her disappointment with the political landscape since Duterte left office.

("I still believe that there is hope for us. But now, the corrupt politicians without integrity are back. We Filipinos need to fight!")

Concerns over online voting

Beyond showing support for Duterte, some OFWs raised concerns about the integrity of online voting for the upcoming elections. An OFW from Sweden questioned whether their votes would be secure under the new digital system, fearing potential manipulation.

“Paano kami [OFWs], 'yung boto namin, kung madaya ba o hindi… Ang concern ko, baka anytime pwede nila mapalitan ['yung boto],” she said, echoing the fears of many overseas Filipinos about the transparency of digital election processes.

("How about us [OFWs], our votes… My concern is that they might be changed at any time.")

These sentiments were shared by others, who called for the return of manual voting to ensure greater accountability.

“Before kasi, manual lang 'yung botohan. Naging online na, siguro para hindi na pupunta yung mga OFW doon sa embassy. Pina-shortcut [nila],” she added, suggesting that while online voting may be more convenient, it also raises security risks.

Another OFW, originally from Batangas but now working in Italy, expressed deep distrust in the system. She even considered flying back to the Philippines just to cast her vote in person.

While the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has assured the public of strict safeguards, concerns persist. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) recently moved the pre-enrollment period for the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) from 10 to 20 March, citing technical adjustments. However, some OFWs insist that a return to manual ballots is the only way to ensure fair elections.

Medialdea rushed to the hospital 

In a separate live video, Padilla revealed that former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea had been transported out of The Hague Penitentiary Institution in an ambulance due to a medical emergency on Tuesday morning. Medialdea, a longtime ally of Duterte, was later admitted to a hospital, though details about his condition remain undisclosed.

Padilla urged the public to set aside political differences and instead offer prayers for both Medialdea and Duterte, emphasizing that they are in their senior years and facing significant challenges.

“Wag na po natin kulayan ng politika. Pagdasal po natin silang maging maayos [ang kalagayan],” he pleaded, calling for unity despite the ongoing legal proceedings.

("Let’s not politicize this. Let’s pray for their well-being.")