Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Tuesday called for sobriety and unity following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, urging Filipinos to respect legal processes and avoid actions that could further divide the nation. 'In this time of heightened emotions and division, I call on the Filipino people to remain calm and exercise sobriety as the legal proceedings unfold. We must refrain from engaging in any form of violence, spreading misinformation, or taking actions that may only further polarize our country,' he said in a statement.

According to Philippines News Agency, Estrada also reaffirmed confidence in the country's judicial system, emphasizing that legal proceedings would adhere to due process and existing laws. 'Matibay at gumagana ang ating justice system kaya't naniniwala ako na matitiyak na dadaan sa tamang proseso ang lahat at alinsunod ito sa mga umiiral na batas (Our justice system is strong and functioning, so I believe that this will ensure that everything will go through the correct process and in accordance with existing laws),' he said.

Estrada highlighted the importance of maintaining the nation's unity and stability during this challenging chapter in history. He stressed that former president Duterte, like any Filipino citizen, has the right to due process and legal recourse.

Duterte was served the warrant of arrest, issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) on Tuesday morning. He is facing charges of crimes against humanity before the ICC for his administration's bloody drug war.