Senator Dela Rosa Urges Duterte to Die in the Philippines

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa expressed his wish for former president Rodrigo Duterte to pass away in the Philippines rather than abroad. Dela Rosa plans to request the Senate to facilitate Duterte's immediate return from The Hague, where he faces trial for crimes against humanity.

Dela Rosa became concerned about Duterte's health after hearing from Duterte's wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman Duterte, who described him as frail. Zimmerman mentioned that Duterte's final wish is to be cremated in The Hague, with only his ashes brought back to the Philippines upon his death.

Dela Rosa emphasized the importance of Duterte not dying in another country due to his status as a former president. He refrained from confirming Duterte's health status, stating that his comments were based on Zimmerman's observations.

The goal of the draft resolution signed by Dela Rosa and Senator Robinhood Padilla is to repatriate Duterte promptly without dismissing any legal proceedings against him. Duterte, aged 80, is currently detained in a Dutch prison following his arrest by Interpol in March.

Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed her father's wish to be cremated and outlined his funeral plans if he passes away in custody. She emphasized the importance of respecting his wishes and stated that Duterte joked about haunting her if they were not fulfilled.

The resolution filed by Padilla urges the Philippine government to secure Duterte's immediate repatriation to uphold the country's sovereignty and legal system. It emphasizes that no Filipino, especially a former public servant like Duterte, should face trial in a foreign tribunal for alleged crimes committed in the Philippines.

According to the source: The Manila Times.