Palace suggestion: Invite int’l lawyers to Senate’s Duterte arrest probe
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Imee Marcos may invite international law experts who could, once and for all, provide more clarity on the legality of the arrest and surrender of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Palace Press Officer Claire Castro suggested on Tuesday.
READ: Imee Marcos to officials involved in Duterte arrest: Tell the truth
“It would be better if Sen. Imee Marcos could hear more than just one point of view. She should invite other experts — those who are often interviewed and offer differing opinions from that of Atty. Alex Medina — so she can gain better clarity,” Castro said in Filipino when asked if it would be more helpful for the senator to consider various legal perspectives.
Castro pointed out that hearing from the same resource persons would not help balance the senator’s understanding of the issue.
She clarified, however, that it was merely a suggestion — not an order from the Palace.
“This is just a suggestion — since the question was asked anyway. We’re not ordering anyone. But it would be better if she could invite international law experts,” she said.
READ: 11 Marcos Cabinet members to attend Duterte arrest probe – Palace
The next Senate foreign relations committee hearing on Duterte’s arrest is scheduled for April 10.
One of the recent developments is the expected attendance of at least 11 Cabinet officials, whom Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin had previously barred from participating, citing executive privilege and the sub judice rule.
Former President Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11. He was flown the same day to The Hague, Netherlands, to stand trial for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s drug war.
Duterte made his first appearance at his pretrial hearing last March 14, three days after his arrest in Manila.
Duterte was unable to attend physically and only participated in the pretrial via video link.
His administration’s drug war claimed at least 6,000 lives, according to official government data. However, human rights watchdogs estimated the death toll from the drug war to be between 12,000 and 30,000 from 2016 to 2019.
