People are free to protest Duterte arrest – Palace

March 15, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The government will not stop the public, especially supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte, from voicing their sentiments following his arrest for “crimes against humanity” for the deaths of thousands in implementing his war on drugs, Malacañang said yesterday.

Palace press officer Claire Castro said the administration respects people’s right to freedom of expression.

“Those who sympathize with former president Duterte, it’s their right (to express their sentiments). We will not prevent that, it’s their right to be sad and to sympathize with former president Duterte,” Castro said at a Palace briefing.

“Nothing has been seen yet that could alarm the administration,” Castro said when asked about the government’s plan to prevent what Duterte’s supporters call “full-blown” people power.

If things get out of hand, there are measures to address such situations, she said. But she appealed to the public to not forget the root of the issue.

“As we have said, the people should open their eyes and see the truth,” Castro said.

“Let’s not ignore the issue of extrajudicial killings. People died and there were complaints, and these complaints were made in 2017, not during the time of President Marcos,” she said.

Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said on Thursday that the PNP is prepared for possible attempts to create scenarios similar to people power in support of Duterte.