Senator Christopher “Bong” Go did not hold back during Thursday’s Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing, calling the arrest and surrender of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) a calculated move — executed with suspicious speed and surrounded by unresolved legal questions.

“Let’s call a spade a spade. They really want to surrender Tatay Digong to the ICC,” said Senator Go during his statement in Filipino at the hearing presided over by Senator Imee Marcos. “There are no excuses anymore. It’s obvious. Their actions were faster than a speeding bullet.”

The hearing, held on Thursday, was the third in a series of public inquiries into Duterte’s sudden transfer to The Hague, despite the Philippines’ formal withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.

Among those present were key officials who had previously declined to attend, including Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil and others.

“Madam Chair, many questions remain unanswered. If the government does not recognize the ICC, why suddenly comply with its order?” he asked. “Was the Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) used as an excuse? But there was no Red Notice. Why was everything done secretly and hastily?”

Senator Go pointed out that, according to Interpol’s website, there are currently 11 Filipino nationals with Red Notices, but none have been subjected to the same swift and secretive treatment as Duterte.

“Eleven have Red Notices, but we haven’t heard anything. Why, now, in Tatay Digong’s case, did the authorities suddenly become obedient?” said Senator Go. “There are warrants that have been pending for years without being implemented. But here, in just 14 hours, it’s done.”

The senator recalled how even he, along with Vice President Sara Duterte, were denied entry into Villamor Airbase when they attempted to check on the former president’s condition.

“On March 11, we were made to get out of the vehicle at the gate. VP Sara, a lawyer and the daughter of the former president, was not allowed entry. What kind of treatment is that?” Senator Go asked. “Now, you’re here in the Senate and were properly welcomed. I hope you know how to show respect.”

Senator Go described Duterte as a fragile man who no longer poses a flight risk, emphasizing the cruelty of sending an ailing former head of state to a foreign country without respecting his basic rights to receive medical treatment and consult his chosen legal counsel, including VP Sara Duterte, who is not only his legal representative but also his daughter and close family member.