MANILA, Philippines — Senator Alan Peter Cayetano called on the national media to maintain fairness and neutrality in reporting on the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

At the same time, Cayetano stressed the importance of ensuring due process and upholding the rule of law.

Speaking on his Facebook series “CIA 365 with Kuya Alan,” Cayetano urged media practitioners to focus on objective reporting rather than injecting personal opinions into their coverage.

“Siguro isa ring shout-out o hingi ko ay maging totally neutral din ang media. Report, hindi opinion kasi masyadong malaki ang stake sa ating bansa,” he said.

Duterte was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Tuesday morning following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant related to alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s war on drugs. 

Before the arrest, Duterte had been placed on Interpol’s Red Notice list.

Cayetano acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and stressed that Duterte must be granted legal remedies.

“Napaka-importante na y’ung ating system of laws. Lahat po ng judicial process, lahat po ng remedies under the law, ma-accord sa ating Pangulo,” he said.

He also voiced concern for Duterte’s safety, asking the public to pray for the former president.

“Personal kong dalangin and I have to join my brother, former President Duterte. Pray for his health, pray for strength, pray for his safety,” Cayetano said.

The senator extended his call for prayers to include law enforcers involved in the arrest, warning against actions that could undermine public trust in authorities.

He underscored the importance of impartiality in the justice system, regardless of political affiliations.

“Sa lahat ng involved sa proseso na ito, kailangan pag sinabi mo na ‘Justice,’ hindi tinitignan kung administration y’un o opposition, kung former president y’un o presidente,” he said.

Cayetano, said he has been closely following developments, and reiterated his belief in the power of prayer during moments of national uncertainty.

“Gusto ko lang ipa-abot na in everything that’s happening, we have to get involved, but we have to pray. Walang conflict in praying and discerning. Hindi lang prayers kundi i-discern natin kung ano rin ang tama na gawin,” he said.

“Lumalabas pa lang lahat ng facts, but we’ll definitely be monitoring. We’ll be praying. This is just really a big responsibility for our country,” he added.