In a recent meet-and-greet event in The Hague, Netherlands, Vice President Sara Duterte issued a striking warning to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, about the alleged dangers he faces if he returns to the Philippines. Comparing his potential fate to that of the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., she told him bluntly:
"Pa, ‘yung kagustuhan mo na umuwi, iyan din ‘yung katapusan ng buhay mo—magiging Ninoy Aquino Jr. ka."
The comparison is as absurd as it is offensive. Ninoy Aquino returned home in 1983 fully aware that he could be killed. And he was—gunned down on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport. His death became a spark that ignited the People Power Revolution and ultimately toppled the Marcos dictatorship. Ninoy’s bravery was born from a deep commitment to democracy and an unyielding love for the Filipino people. His sacrifice was for the nation, not for himself.
Rodrigo Duterte’s situation couldn’t be more different. Far from a heroic figure standing against tyranny, Duterte is a man evading accountability. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating him for crimes against humanity over the thousands of extrajudicial killings during his brutal war on drugs. His lawyers are reportedly scrambling to find a legal remedy to prevent his appearance before the ICC in September 2025—an effort that reeks more of desperation than courage.
Let’s be clear: Duterte’s troubles aren’t the result of political persecution or a noble fight for freedom. They stem from a legacy of violence, impunity, and a blatant disregard for human rights. Comparing Duterte to Ninoy Aquino is an insult to the memory of a man who gave his life for democracy. Duterte, on the other hand, wielded power to silence dissent, embolden police brutality, and mock the very institutions meant to protect the people.
While Ninoy stood for the Filipino people, Duterte has always stood for himself. His presidency was marked by the consolidation of power, the undermining of democratic institutions, and a relentless attack on anyone who dared to challenge his authority. He fostered a culture of misogyny, mocked victims of violence, and openly admitted to ordering extrajudicial killings—actions that are now catching up to him in the form of international legal scrutiny.
And now, faced with the looming prospect of accountability, the Duterte camp leans on melodrama. But justice cannot be evaded through theatrics. No amount of emotional manipulation can erase the thousands of lives lost under Duterte’s brutal policies. No speech, no staged warning from his daughter, will wash away the blood on his hands.
The truth is simple: Ninoy and Duterte are not—nor will they ever be—in the same league. Ninoy Aquino stood against a dictatorship and gave his life for a free Philippines. Rodrigo Duterte is a mass murderer hiding from justice. One’s name will forever be associated with courage and sacrifice; the other’s with blood and betrayal.
History will not be fooled by these desperate attempts to rewrite reality. The truth always emerges, and when it does, no self-serving narrative can stand in its way. Justice may be slow, but it is relentless—and no amount of fear-mongering will stop it from catching up to Rodrigo Duterte.(TAMBULI Ng BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada)
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Photo: VP Sara warns dad: ‘You could suffer Ninoy Aquino’s fate if you return’