Former President Rodrigo Duterte asked Filipino workers in Hong Kong to give $5 each to make a statue of him. He wants the statue to stand next to the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal.
This request came while there were reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) might arrest him. Duterte spoke at an event called “Pasasalamat kay PRRD with OFWs” in Hong Kong on March 9.
The Office of the Solicitor General said they have not received any official notice about an arrest warrant from the ICC for any Filipino.
Duterte said he cannot stop anyone from arresting or jailing him. He is accused of “crimes against humanity” because of his war on drugs when he was president. But he said he is not guilty and only did his job as president.
He also said he will accept whatever happens to him. But he asked the workers to build him a statue.
“I ask this from you—if this is my fate, I will accept it. We can’t do anything. If I’m arrested or jailed… just give $5 each… so when I get out of prison, you can build me a monument beside Rizal,” Duterte said.
Duterte is known for joking during his speeches.
