Imee Marcos Pushes Senate Probe on Duterte’s Detention
IMEE MARCOS – The senator has started a Senate investigation into the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was taken into custody based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. The hearing, set for Thursday, March 20, will be led by Marcos as the head of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Marcos stressed the need for an urgent investigation, saying Duterte’s arrest has caused strong disagreements among Filipinos. She highlighted the importance of confirming whether legal procedures were followed and if any Philippine laws were violated during the arrest. Officials from the police, airport authorities, and the Department of Foreign Affairs are expected to attend the hearing.
Duterte was arrested last Tuesday after Interpol carried out the ICC’s warrant. He was quickly sent to The Hague, Netherlands, on the same day. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. explained that the Philippine government worked with Interpol but did not assist the ICC in Duterte’s transfer.
Despite this, Senator Marcos said the investigation must determine whether the country’s independence and legal system were respected. She stressed that Philippine laws should take priority in handling international legal issues. She also urged the Senate to review how law enforcement agencies cooperate with international courts to prevent possible abuse of authority.
Marcos had earlier criticized Duterte’s arrest, calling it “unacceptable” and skipping a campaign event attended by candidates supported by her brother, the President.
Meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who served as Foreign Affairs Secretary under Duterte, raised concerns about fairness and proper legal procedures in dealing with the ICC. He warned that similar warrants could be issued against multiple government officials, including senior military officers, without clear legal protection.
As of now, former President Duterte remains in custody at the Scheveningen detention center in The Hague, waiting for further legal proceedings related to the ICC case.
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