The Philippines Senate has launched an investigation into the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Accused of crimes against humanity, including murder, Duterte's charges stem from his controversial "war on drugs" during his tenure from 2016 to 2022, which resulted in the deaths of thousands. His arrest on March 11 at Manila airport was ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., marking him as the first Asian former head of state charged by the ICC.
Following his arrest, Duterte was handed over to the ICC, complying with a request from Interpol. This move comes despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte's administration. The political landscape has been further complicated by the impeachment of Sara Duterte, Duterte’s daughter and current vice president. She faces charges including alleged corruption and an assassination plot against President Marcos Jr., a development that has strained the political alliance between the Duterte and Marcos families formed in 2022.
The unfolding events have cast uncertainty over Sara Duterte's political future, with polls indicating a potential loss of her Senate seat in the upcoming May elections. Amidst these tensions, Senator Imee Marcos, sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has called for an "urgent investigation" into the circumstances surrounding Duterte's arrest and handover to the ICC.
"It is imperative to establish whether due process was followed and to ensure that his legal rights were not just upheld but protected," said Senator Imee Marcos.
A public hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, where police and other government officials are expected to provide testimonies. The Senate aims to scrutinize the legal processes involved in Duterte's arrest and extradition.
Meanwhile, supporters of Duterte have taken to the streets, staging protests across the nation and demanding his immediate release and return. The situation remains volatile as the Senate's investigation unfolds.
"This can only lead to trouble," Senator Imee Marcos remarked, highlighting concerns over potential unrest.
