MANILA, Philippines — “Since when did the Philippines become the province of The Hague?”
This was the question posed by Senator Imee Marcos in her opening speech on Thursday, as she led a Senate investigation into the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Marcos Criticizes Foreign Intervention
Marcos, a known ally of the Dutertes, expressed frustration that Duterte is being made to answer to foreign authorities rather than his own countrymen.
“Here we are watching as a fellow Filipino, a leader, a father and a grandfather, a man who served this country, is taken not by his own people but by outsiders who claim to have the right to judge him,” she said during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing.
Duterte’s War on Drugs and ICC Investigation
During Duterte’s presidency, his war on drugs resulted in at least 6,000 deaths, based on official government records.
However, human rights organizations and the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor estimate that the actual death toll between 2016 and 2019 could be between 12,000 and 30,000, with many cases allegedly classified as extrajudicial killings.
Duterte’s Arrest and Upcoming Legal Proceedings
Duterte was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11 and detained at Villamor Air Base before being transported to The Hague, where he remains in custody.
His pretrial hearing took place on March 14, and his confirmation of charges is scheduled for September 23. Before that date, he may appeal for interim release.
Marcos Warns of Future Foreign Interventions
Marcos warned that Duterte’s arrest could set a dangerous precedent for the country’s sovereignty.
“If they can march in our house and take one of our own, what’s stopping them from doing it again and again? To you, to me, to any of us?” she said.
