THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A legal counsel to former President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday criticized the glaring double standard in the government's handling of overseas Filipino cases, comparing the intense attention on three Filipinos recently jailed in China on espionage suspicions with Duterte's detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) facility.

Atty. Martin Delgra III, also the spokesperson for Duterte's campaign team, voiced his frustration in a casual interview with Michael King, a Duterte supporter, outside the ICC detention center.

Delgra acknowledged the Department of Foreign Affairs statement promising full assistance to the Filipino detainees in China, reaffirming its policy of supporting citizens facing legal troubles abroad.

“That has always been the official government policy. Any Filipino abroad who have been the subject of any cases like harasment, nangangailangan ng assistance o suporta ng gobyerno. agad-agad yung gobyerno tumutulong. And part sa tulong ng ating gobyerno is to repatriate them, pinapauwi,” he said, citing past cases like Sarah Balabagan and Mary Jane Veloso

Delgra, however, expressed frustration over the case of the former president — an 80-year-old Filipino who, despite being frail and elderly, was whisked away from his homeland on March 11 to face detention abroad.

“Ang nakakalungkot and, if i may say, nakakagalit. meron tayong isang Filipino (na) nanirahan, dumating sa Pilpinas, matandang matanda na, 80 years old, dinala pa sa labas para maikulong,” he said.

He added: “This is something that upsets a lot of people.”

The DFA, in a statement on April 4, said: “Protecting the rights and interests of the said Filipinos remains the prime priority for the Philippine Government.”

The contrast has become increasingly stark as hundreds of overseas Filipinos have spontaneously organized daily vigils and unprecedented demonstrations of support for Duterte across Europe and North America.

Filipino communities and volunteers in The Hague provide free food, sound systems, and even ice cream from a mobile truck.

“The outpouring of support and love for Tatay Digong continues to pour into The Hague.  Filipinos across the world, not only from The Hague but from across Europe (Spain, Italy, Switzerland,  Belgium, France, and Germany), the UK, Canada, and the US,” he said.

Some flew in, while others drove hours from neighboring countries — all to stand as close as Dutch authorities would allow to the facility housing the former leader they affectionately call "Tatay Digong."  

Dutch authorities, he said, have observed the peaceful gatherings with apparent approval.

“Dutch police, smiling, happily watched on the sideline. There is no formal group of organizers, but Filipinos pitch in whatever they can contribute, from streamers to a sound system to Filipino food. One Filipino even brought her ice cream truck to give ice cream to people for free,” Delgra shared.  

He added: “The Bayanihan spirit is very much alive among Filipinos here with one only fervent wish — to bring Tatay Digong Home.”

Supporters expressed their unwavering loyalty, with many vowing to vote straight for the nine Partido ng Demokratiko Pilipino senatorial candidates in the May 2025 elections, he said. (AAA)