Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday urged the media to report fairly and neutrally on the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
At the same time, he stressed the need for the authorities to ensure due process and uphold the rule of law.
Discussing the issue on his Facebook series “CIA 365 with Kuya Alan” on March 11, Cayetano called on the media to focus on objective reporting rather than injecting personal opinions into the news.
“Siguro isa ring shout-out o hingi ko ay maging totally neutral din ang media. Report, hindi opinion kasi masyadong malaki ang stake sa ating bansa,” he said.
Duterte was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Tuesday morning following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant related to alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s war on drugs. He was placed on Interpol’s Red Notice list prior to the arrest.
Cayetano acknowledged the gravity of the situation and emphasized that legal remedies must be accorded to Duterte.
“Napaka-importante na y’ung ating system of laws. Lahat po ng judicial process, lahat po ng remedies under the law, ma-accord sa ating Pangulo,” he said.
He also expressed concern for the former president’s safety, urging the public to pray for him.”Personal kong dalangin and I have to join my brother, former President Duterte. Pray for his health, pray for strength, pray for his safety.”
The senator also called for prayers for law enforcers involved in the process, warning against any actions that could undermine public trust in law enforcement.
He underscored the need for the justice system to remain impartial regardless of political affiliations.
“Sa lahat ng involved sa proseso na ito, kailangan pag sinabi mo na ‘Justice,’ hindi tinitignan kung administration y’un o opposition, kung former president y’un o presidente,” he said.
Cayetano, who has been closely monitoring developments, reiterated his belief in the power of prayer in times of crossroads.
“Gusto ko lang ipa-abot na in everything that’s happening, we have to get involved, but we have to pray. Walang conflict in praying and discerning. Hindi lang prayers kundi i-discern natin kung ano rin ang tama na gawin,” he said.
“Lumalabas pa lang lahat ng facts, but we’ll definitely be monitoring. We’ll be praying. This is just really a big responsibility for our country,” he added.
