Statement of Malacañang on ICC Request to PH Government
Malacañang claimed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is not directly cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on securing the safety of the witnesses.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is under the custody of the ICC for more than 100 days now. The former Chief Executive was arrested last March 11 after the ICC reportedly issued an arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity due to his administration’s drug war.
The lawyers of Duterte have requested for his ICC interim release to an undisclosed country. According to Vice Pres. Sara Duterte, the former President could be better taken cared of by nurses and caregivers if his interim release would be granted. She stressed that her father could be considered a “super senior” citizen.
During her visit to Australia, Vice Pres. Duterte claimed that Australia is one of the countries that may be considered in the ICC interim release of former Pres. Duterte. However, she clarified that her visit to the country was not about the interim release of her father.
Department of Justice Sec. Boying Remulla expressed an opposition to the interim release bid of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. He stressed that the best medical care is already in The Netherlands. He also confirmed that they are supporting and cooperating with the ICC in the foreign court’s request for the safety of the witnesses.
Recently, Malacañang clarified the claim of DOJ Sec. Boying Remulla. Based on a report on GMA News, Palace press undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the Philippine government is not directly cooperating with the ICC in ensuring the safety of the witnesses in Duterte’s ICC case.
According to the Malacañang official, the DOJ will be helping the witnesses in giving their testimonies and to give justice to those who must be given justice. Castro stressed that the justice department will not work directly with the ICC.
“Parang sa ating pagkakadinig ay tutulungan ng DOJ (Department of Justice) ang mga witnesses para makapag-testify, para mabigyan ng hustisya ang dapat mabigyan ng hustisya. Hindi directly makikipagtulungan sa ICC,” the Malacañang official said.
Based on the report, Atty. Claire Castro further said that the ones to be helped by the Philippine government are Filipinos who are in need of help so they can achieve justice. She echoed the remarks of the Commission on Human Rights.
When asked if Pres. Bongbong Marcos approved the assistance to the witnesses, the Malacañang official said the Chief Executive shares the same desire of giving justice to those who deserve it. Recently, Malacañang also confirmed that Marcos Jr. is open for talks on PH rejoining the ICC.