‘TOO LATE THE HER0:’ SEN. BONG GO ON DUTERTE’S ARREST, TRANSFER TO THE HAGUE

“TOO late the hero.”

This was the sentiment of the Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go amid the ongoing Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague.

Go expressed hope that it could still reverse the current situation now that Duterte is already in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Go, while expressing respect for the Senate’s initiative, remained skeptical about its potential impact.

“Tungkol dun sa tanong mo about the hearing tomorrow, I respect the initiative of Senator Imee Marcos to hold the Senate inquiry. Karapatan naman n’ya ‘yan bilang chairperson po ng foreign relations,” he said in an ambush interview on March 19 in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

“At ako bilang miyembro, sinasabi ko lang rin po ang aking mga hinanakit na parang too late na po eh. ‘Yan ang tinatawag na too late the hero na po. Maibabalik mo ba si Tatay Digong dito? Kung maibabalik mo kahit araw-araw tayo mag-hearing,” he remarked.

The hearing, which was set for March 20 and initiated by Sen. Imee Marcos, aims to examine the circumstances of Duterte’s arrest, focusing on whether due process was followed and whether Philippine laws were violated in the process.

Marcos has also underscored the need to clarify the extent of the Philippine government’s cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.

Go acknowledged that legal questions surrounding Duterte’s arrest might still warrant discussion.

“Maybe, pag-usapan ano ‘yung mga batas na nalabag sa paghuli sa kanya. ‘Yon, maaring pag-usapan,” he said.

“But, too late the hero na po. Tapos na. Maibabalik n’yo pa ba si Tatay Digong dito?,” he added.

The senator reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Duterte’s family and continuing the former president’s advocacy for public service. As the country heads toward another election season, he emphasized that he remains steadfast in its mission.