Had one of the hardest talks with my mama today. I told her Nanay is getting old and we should get a life plan. My voice almost broke. Saying it made everything painfully real. I am not ready for a world where she is not there.
No one carries heavier stress than those who have seen their own potential but continue living as if they’re worthless.
The pain doesn’t come from failure but from knowing exactly who you could become, and watching yourself waste it.
REALITY CHECK 5:
DIGONG CANNOT BE EXTRADITED BACK
Former SC Justice Antonio Carpio clarifies some of the DDS' confusion.
Was there a violation of the Rome Statute when Digong was arrested by the ICC without going through a Philippine court?
No. Article 59 of the Rome Statute does require that Digong's arrest should have gone through a domestic court if the Philippines was still a State Party. Since our withdrawal from the ICC, this no longer applies. This alleged misstep in Digong's apprehension no longer exists because of his own doing.
Was Digong illegally surrendered to the Interpol?
No. Section 17 of RA 9851 states that, "in the interest of justice, the relevant Philippine authorities may dispense with the investigation or prosecution of a crime punishable under this Act if another court or international tribunal is already conducting the investigation or undertaking the prosecution of such crime. Instead, the authorities may surrender or extradite suspected or accused persons in the Philippines to the appropriate international court, if any, or to another State pursuant to the applicable extradition laws and treaties."
Can the Supreme Court of the Philippines compel the ICC to return Digong?
No. Even if Digong was served an ICC warrant without a counterpart warrant from a Philippine court, the Supreme Court does not have jurisdiction over the ICC nor the Netherlands to compel them to surrender Digong.
Can Digong's legal team argue that he was kidnapped and unlawfully surrendered to the ICC?
Yes. But it won't bring back Digong to the Philippines. The ICC follows a doctrine or rule that disregards the manner by which a suspect is surrendered to their jurisdiction even if this be by kidnapping. It doesn't matter to the ICC since they didn't commit the abduction. They merely received a suspect surrendered by a State.
The sound of DDS anguish continues to grow louder.
(Video credits to DZME Radyo TV)
Don't say 'I love you' too easily. These words are more than just a habit—they carry the weight of emotion, meaning, and truth. Say them only when your heart truly feels them. So if I say 'I love you,' know that I genuinely mean it.