PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday called the European Union (EU) “crazy” for urging his administration to release Senator Leila de Lima, who has been arrested over alleged involvement in illegal drugs.
Duterte, in a speech delivered at the People’s Day in Oriental Mindoro, denied the claim of the European Parliament that De Lima is a victim of political persecution.
“Do you really believe that De Lima is a political prisoner? EU wants her to be released because she is allegedly political prisoner. What politics?” the President said.
“Then, they want me to be detained. Crazy. Son of a b****. [They want me to be put in jail] because I allegedly kill many people – 10,000. Son of a b****. That’s too much,” he added.
Duterte’s series of tirade came after the EU lawmakers, in a resolution, called for the “immediate release” of De Lima, who is currently detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City..
The EU said the senator should be given “free and fair” trial to prove her innocence.
Malacañang earlier explained that De Lima had been ordered arrested because of her supposed involvement in the narcotics trade inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City when she was still justice secretary.
It also added that the EU should not meddle in the internal affairs of the Philippines.
Recently, Duterte was piqued by the continued interference of EU, prompting him to say that he would be "very glad" to hang them all. (SunStar Philippines)