Cabinet Officials To Attend Marcos Probe over Duterte Arrest, Malacañang Speaks on Inquiry Anew
Malacañang suggested the presence of the international law experts at the Senate probe led by Senator Imee Marcos over former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s arrest.
The opposing stance of the Marcoses over Duterte’s arrest brought confusion to countless Filipinos. While Pres. Bongbong Marcos asserted that the necessary procedures were followed over Duterte’s arrest, Sen. Imee Marcos expressed unacceptance of what was done to the former President.
Last March 11, the Philippine National Police (PNP) implemented the arrest of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. He just arrived from Hong Kong when the police authorities implemented the arrest. He was detained at the Villamor Air Base for several hours wherein a lot of commotion took place. The day ended with Duterte being transported to The Hague, Netherlands via Dubai.
Countless Duterte supporters criticized the government’s move and called on the government and the Supreme Court to order the return of the former President. Sen. Imee Marcos opened a Senate investigation on the arrest of the former President.
The first Senate inquiry was held last March 20. The government officials and members of the cabinet attended the probe. After it, Sen. Marcos claimed that there seems to be no due process in the arrest of former Pres. Duterte. The second day of the investigation was held last April 3 and the cabinet officials did not attend the investigation.
Prior to the second hearing, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin sent a letter to the Senate saying that all matters that are excluded from the executive privilege have been discussed. The Senator asked the executive department to reconsider the decision but Malacañang maintained its stand.
Malacañang also stressed that there are matters that should not be publicly disclosed. It is amid Sen. Imee Marcos’ allegation that the government is seemingly hiding some truths. A third Senate hearing over Duterte’s arrest was set on April 10.
Based on a report on GMA News, Malacañang press officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said that it is better if Sen. Imee Marcos will invite international law experts on her probe over Duterte’s arrest. According to her, it can help enlighten the Senator.
”Mas maganda po na makapagimibita pa siya ng international law experts para mas maliwanagan pa siya,” the Malacañang official said.
Previously, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte expressed her willingness to attend Sen. Imee Marcos’ probe over the arrest of her father. According to her, she is also willing to answer questions regarding the arrest of the former President and the happenings in Hong Kong prior to his arrest in Manila.