Bato shuts down rumors that Duterte sought asylum in China

Bato shuts down rumors that Duterte sought asylum in China

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Saturday debunked talks that former President Rodrigo Duterte requested for political asylum in China while he was at an event in Hong Kong.

“Hindi yan totoo. In fact, yung iba nga nag-advise doon na pumunta nalang tayong China para magtago,” the known Duterte-ally said in an interview.

“But si Presidente, matigas ang ulo talaga na harapin niya kung meron man. So umuwi talaga siya. Siya ang final decision,” he said.

[Translation: That's not true. In fact, the others there advised us to go to China to hide. But the President is really stubborn and wants to face it if there is a case pending. So he went home. He made the final decision.]

Videos and posts on various social media platforms claimed that while the former president was in Hong Kong discussions were held with China about possible political asylum in the country.

Duterte flew to Hong Kong to attend an event with Overseas Filipino Worker (OFWs) supporters. It was the same day the ICC pre-trial chamber issued the warrant for his arrest on murder charges under crimes against humanity.

Duterte is detained at The Hague and is set to face the ICC chamber again on Sept. 23 for the confirmation of charges.