‘Zero remittance’ call by Duterte supporters draws mixed reaction

 

Duterte supporters across Europe gather at The Hague on Mar 23 (Facebook photo)

A call by supporters of detained former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for overseas Filipino workers to halt remittances to the Philippines for a week to protest Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court has drawn mixed reactions.

The ‘zero remittance’ campaign starts tomorrow, Mar 28, to coincide with Duterte’s 80^th birthday, and ends on Apr 4.

Reacting to the call, Presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile told OFWs they must consider the move very carefully as it could lead to sanctions, such as the possible taking away of their tax-free privileges whenever they fly out of the country.

Basahin ang detalye!

In a Facebook post, the former Senate president said he was merely offering a “humble, unsolicited reminder” to social and political leaders and OFWs who are protesting Duterte’s detention at the ICC facility at The Hague.

Malacanang was, however, quick to distance itself from the dire warning, saying OFWs have the right to peaceful protest, but urged them to put their families’ needs first and understand the government’s position on Duterte’s arrest and detention by the ICC.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that the campaign could have adverse effects, given that OFW remittances have long been a driver for the country’s economy.

Castro also said the call might be seen as inciting to sedition as it could prevent the government from fulfilling its duty. But, they have no plans to hold the organizers accountable - yet.

Senate President Chiz Escudero disagreed, however, saying no Philippine law is violated by the no-remittance campaign. But he cautioned against it.

“For me, it is well within their rights, but it will hurt, not only their familie and loved ones when it comes to sustaining their daily, weekly and monthly needs,” said Escudero.

He added he would advise against pursuing the campaign as “this is not an issue of revenge.” Retaliating would not cause the issue to subside and calm emotions and tensions in the county, he said.

Duterte was asked to confirm his identity when he first appeared at the ICC via videolink

Migrante International, which has led similar campaigns in the past, has hit out at the pro-Duterte organizers, accusing them of misusing the protest tactic.

They said the original intention of such a campaign was to fight for the rights of OFWs and not to protect a “criminal” ex-president.

The call was issued by Duterte supporters who are accusing President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. of being behind his predecessor’s arrest on Mar 12, as he landed in Manila from a trip to Hong Kong.

Duterte was served a warrant of arrest issued by the ICC, which said there were reasonable grounds to believe he committed crimes against humanity in the form of murder, rape and torture, during his bloody crackdown on drugs from the time he was mayor in Davao City, and as president of the Philippines.

His drug war left at least 6,000 people dead according to official government records, while human rights groups estimate the death toll to be between 20,000 and 30,000.

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