Philippine Officials Address Controversy Surrounding Duterte’s ICC Arrest
Philippine officials, including Secretary of Justice Jesus Remulla, denied coordinating with the ICC regarding the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges related to his drug war. Senator Imee Marcos questioned assertions of coordination highlighted in the Interpol diffusion notices. Vice President Sara Duterte claims political motives underpin her father’s arrest, amidst rising tensions between the Duterte and Marcos families, further complicated by potential legal aid discussions.
In recent hearings, Philippine officials faced scrutiny regarding the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was detained on March 11 before being sent to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges related to his controversial drug war. Secretary of Justice Jesus Remulla asserted that the government had not coordinated with the ICC prior to the arrest, maintaining a distance until the warrant was received via Interpol.
During the Senate hearing, Senator Imee Marcos, related to the detained leader, highlighted certain language in the Interpol diffusion that implied some level of coordination with the Philippine government regarding the arrest. In response, Remulla characterized the notice’s wording as a generic form letter, suggesting it did not directly refer to Duterte’s situation.
Historically, the Philippine government had resisted ICC cooperation, claiming it lacked jurisdiction since the country’s withdrawal in 2019. However, recent government statements indicated a willingness to act on Interpol requests if received, marking a shift in approach toward the ICC.
While participating in the hearing remotely, Vice President Sara Duterte claimed that her father’s arrest was politically motivated, aimed at undermining opposition. She accused the current administration of utilizing government mechanisms to intimidate political rivals, particularly her family, as tensions between the Duterte and Marcos families have intensified since the 2022 election.
Following the hearing, Vice President Duterte revealed plans to consult with new legal counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, indicating the family’s intent to utilize the ICC legal aid fund to support their defense. She conveyed the likelihood of applying for assistance, signaling that the case would not be funded privately.
The Philippine government’s handling of Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest has sparked significant political discourse and accusations of ulterior motives. While officials deny coordinating with the ICC, allegations of deeper involvement through Interpol persist. The political fallout continues as the Duterte family navigates legal challenges amid a complex relationship with the current administration, highlighting ongoing tensions within Philippine politics.
Original Source: www.france24.com
