Philippine officials denied coordinating with the ICC for the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces charges for his drug war. Secretary of Justice Jesus Remulla maintained that there had been no communication with the ICC prior to the arrest. Senator Imee Marcos questioned the legitimacy of this claim based on Interpol correspondence. Vice President Sara Duterte alleged political motives behind the arrest and discussed seeking legal aid.
Philippine officials faced scrutiny from senators regarding the recent transfer of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 11, where he now faces charges related to his controversial drug war. Secretary of Justice Jesus Remulla clarified that the government had no prior coordination with the ICC before the arrest, emphasizing that they had kept the court at a distance until the arrest warrant was received from Interpol.
Senator Imee Marcos raised concerns about the Interpol diffusion, which she interpreted as evidence of prior consultations between the Philippine government and the ICC. The notice mentioned, “This diffusion is transmitted after prior consultations with the government of the Philippines, who have agreed to comply with this request for arrest,” dated March 10. Remulla contended that this language was simply a standard form and not indicative of direct communication regarding Duterte’s arrest.
The Philippine government’s stance had previously been resistant towards cooperating with ICC investigations, citing jurisdictional issues since Duterte withdrew from the international body in 2019. However, recent statements from officials suggested a willingness to act on requests from Interpol, demonstrating a shift in approach.
During the Senate hearing, Vice President Sara Duterte, appearing via video link from The Hague, accused the administration of utilizing the ICC as a political tool against their opposition. She stated, “This is all about politics. The administration is using government resources, the ICC to demolish the opposition.” Following the hearing, she encouraged voter support for her party in the upcoming mid-term elections.
The relationship between the Duterte and Marcos families has recently deteriorated, culminating in public conflict this year. In addition to the political tensions, Duterte expressed the family’s intent to seek financial assistance for legal fees through the ICC’s legal aid fund, indicating that their legal defense would not be privately funded.
In examination of the Philippine government’s recent actions regarding former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by the ICC, officials maintained that there had been no prior coordination with the court. The ensuing political fallout highlights the growing rift between the Duterte and Marcos families. Furthermore, the potential for legal aid through the ICC indicates the family’s preparedness for a significant legal battle.
Original Source: www.france24.com
