MANILA, March 21 — The Malacañang Palace has expressed its appreciation to the Philippine Senate for conducting a hearing on the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, saying it has helped clarify key legal matters for the public.
“First and foremost, we are grateful that a Senate hearing was held on this issue. The public has gained a clearer understanding of what happened,” said Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro during a press briefing today, as reported by the Philippines News Agency.
The Senate inquiry, led by Senator Imee Marcos, was convened to clarify the roles of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Criminal Police Organisation, and various Philippine agencies involved in Duterte’s arrest.
The hearing also sought to ensure that Duterte’s rights, as protected under Philippine law and international treaties, were observed throughout the process.
It further examined how Philippine authorities coordinated with international law enforcement bodies.
Duterte is facing an arrest warrant issued by the ICC over alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his anti-drug campaign during his term as Davao City mayor and subsequently as president of the Philippines, covering the period from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019.
He arrived in The Hague on March 12 and was transferred to the ICC Detention Centre in Scheveningen.
The ICC has scheduled a hearing on September 23 to confirm the charges against the former president.
— Bernama
