Senator Robin Padilla has once again caught public attention after sharing a viral photo of himself having breakfast with a life-size cardboard standee of former President Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague, Netherlands.
Padilla posted the image on his Facebook account with the caption: “Breakfast meeting kasama ang chairman ng Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipinas,” referring to Duterte, who leads the political party. Seated across the breakfast table, the standee appeared as if taking part in the meeting, prompting a mix of reactions online.
Many of Padilla’s followers praised the senator’s creativity and steadfast loyalty to Duterte, interpreting the photo as a humorous yet symbolic show of political solidarity. Others, however, raised eyebrows, considering the international setting and the ongoing investigation against the former president by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte is currently under ICC scrutiny for his controversial war on drugs, which allegedly resulted in thousands of deaths, including innocent civilians. Despite his past admissions of a ruthless crackdown, the 80-year-old ex-leader continues to deny any wrongdoing and has refused to recognize the court’s authority.
His next hearing at the ICC is scheduled for September. Legal experts note that questions of Philippine sovereignty and international jurisdiction now complicate the proceedings. Among the issues being discussed is whether Duterte can be sworn into a new public role while under detention or investigation abroad.
There have been speculations that Duterte could assume office by proxy or through a remote oath-taking via video call, pending court approval. If he is allowed to do so, concerns would arise about his ability to manage local government affairs from a detention facility in a different time zone, with limited digital access.
If Duterte is barred from taking the oath, the position could be handed to Karlo Nograles, the election runner-up and a political rival of the Duterte family in Davao. This move may ignite a new legal battle, particularly from the Dutertes, who have held significant political influence in the city for decades.
Political analyst Ramon Beleno of Ateneo de Davao University warned that appointing Nograles could intensify local political tensions, potentially leading to a protracted power struggle in Davao.