Amid Political Issues in PH, Malacañang Says PBBM Not Obligated To Stop Sen. Imee Marcos Probe over Duterte Arrest
MALACAÑANG – The Palace spoke anew on the Senate investigation over the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led by Senator Imee Marcos.
Countless Filipinos were surprised when Sen. Imee Marcos launched a Senate committee investigation on the arrest of former Pres. Duterte. The arrest and the transfer of the custody of the former President to the International Criminal Court led to the bashing of her brother, Pres. Bongbong Marcos, and the government.
Marcos Jr. was accused of betraying the Philippine sovereignty and the Filipino people. Countless Duterte supporters called on the government and the Supreme Court to order the return of the former President. According to Pres. Bongbong Marcos, every single procedure necessary in the arrest of Duterte was allegedly followed. For his sister, it seems like there is allegedly no due process in the arrest of the former President.
Sen. Imee Marcos led the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the arrest of Duterte. On its day of hearing, several government officials and members of the cabinet appeared at the inquiry held by the upper chamber’s panel. However, on the day two of the inquiry, Malacañang did not allow the cabinet officials to attend the hearing.
Sen. Marcos even wrote a letter to Malacañang asking it to reconsider the absence of the cabinet officials at the probe but the Palace stood by its stand. The Senator was disappointed by it saying that it will make it appear like the government is allegedly really hiding something.
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, Malacañang reacted to the claim of Sen. Imee Marcos asserting that the Cabinet members already spent 6 hours answering questions during the first Senate hearing. Palace press officer undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro expressed hope that the Senate will understand that there are matters covered under the “executive privilege”.
According to the press officer of Malacañang, Pres. Bongbong Marcos is not obligated to stop Sen. Imee Marcos on her investigation over the arrest of Duterte. Based on the report, Castro stressed it already depends on the Senator.
“Nasa kamay na ni Senator Imee kung hanggang saan siya at kung kailan siya titigil,” the Malacañang Press Officer said.
Amid the political issues between their families, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte recently spoke on her ties with Sen. Imee Marcos.