MANILA, Philippines – Senator Imee R. Marcos on Monday, March 17, called for an urgent Senate investigation into the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, an event that has sparked national controversy and debate.
In a Facebook post, Senator Marcos, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, underscored the need to determine whether due process was observed in Duterte’s arrest.
Marcos stressed that Duterte's legal rights must not only be upheld but also actively protected, particularly in light of the involvement of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“To shed light on this matter, I am inviting key officials and agencies, including representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Office for Transportation Security under the Department of Transportation (OTS-DOTr), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the National Security Council (NSC), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and other resource persons and witnesses,” Marcos stated.
The senator emphasized that the Philippines must assert its sovereignty and ensure that its legal processes remain paramount. She noted that the Senate must clarify policies regarding law enforcement agencies and their engagement with international bodies, such as the ICC.
“The Senate must address these critical concerns to uphold the country’s jurisdiction and to clarify policies governing our law enforcement agencies and their engagement with international tribunals,” she added.
The arrest of the former president has divided public opinion, with his supporters decrying what they perceive as political persecution, while others argue that accountability must be upheld. The Senate’s investigation is expected to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding Duterte’s arrest and the legal mechanisms at play.
Further updates are anticipated as the Senate schedules hearings and summons key officials to testify on the matter.
— The Summit Express
