Philippine Senate investigates arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte

The Philippine Senate announced on March 17 that it will officially investigate the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently being held in the Netherlands awaiting trial on charges of crimes against humanity.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks to the Filipino community in Hong Kong on March 9.

According to AFP, the investigation was initiated by Senator Imee Marcos. She is the sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. but is a close friend of Vice President Sara Duterte, Mr. Duterte's daughter.

The feud between the two families has been simmering since Mr. Marcos and Ms. Duterte ran together successfully in 2022. Vice President Duterte was later impeached on multiple charges, including plotting to assassinate the president. Ms. Imee Marcos is said to have pursued an independent policy from her brother on many issues.

"As chairwoman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I am calling for an urgent investigation into the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, an issue that has deeply divided the country," said Imee Marcos.

She said the investigation was imperative to determine whether the arrest followed due process and whether Mr Duterte's rights were protected. "Our sovereignty and due process must remain the priority," Ms Imee Marcos said.

The Philippine Senate will hold a hearing on March 20 and has invited police chiefs and government officials to provide evidence.

Mr. Duterte was arrested at Manila airport on March 11 after returning from Hong Kong. He was immediately taken to the Netherlands to be handed over to the ICC. Mrs. Imee Marcos immediately said that the incident could only lead to trouble.

Mr. Duterte is accused of being involved in the bloody anti-drug campaign during his leadership. In connection with the trial, veteran lawyer Nicholas Kaufman (British-Israeli) has been selected to join Mr. Duterte's defense team.

Mr. Kaufman has experience at the ICC, defending former Democratic Republic of Congo politician Jean-Pierre Bemba and Ayesha Gaddafi, daughter of former Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thuong-vien-philippines-dieu-tra-vu-bat-cuu-tong-thong-rodrigo-duterte-18525031718080899.htm