Philippine Officials Deny Coordination with ICC in Duterte Arrest

Philippine officials deny coordinating Duterte’s arrest with the ICC, emphasizing they maintained distance from the court until receiving an arrest warrant. Justice Minister Remulla described the Interpol diffusion wording as standard and non-indicative of collaboration. Vice President Sara Duterte claims the arrest is politically motivated amid ongoing family rivalries and prepares to seek legal aid from the ICC.

Philippine officials have refuted allegations of coordinating the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte with the International Criminal Court (ICC). During a Senate hearing, Secretary of Justice Jesus Remulla stated that the government had maintained a distance from the ICC until they received the arrest warrant through Interpol on March 11, when Duterte was detained and subsequently sent to The Hague.

Senator Imee Marcos, who initiated the hearing, questioned the lack of cooperation claims by Remulla. She highlighted language in the Interpol diffusion notice, dated March 10, which suggested the Philippine government consented to the arrest request. Despite this, Remulla dismissed the language as a standard form letter rather than an indication of collaboration in Duterte’s arrest.

The Philippine government had previously denied ICC jurisdiction, asserting that Duterte’s withdrawal from the organization in 2019 precluded their cooperation. However, recent statements from government officials indicated a willingness to comply with Interpol requests.

Vice President Sara Duterte, appearing via video link, argued that her father’s arrest was politically motivated, aimed at dissolving opposition to the current government. She criticized the administration for allegedly using state resources and the ICC for political gains while urging voters to support her party in the upcoming May elections.

The political rivalry between the Duterte and Marcos families has intensified, especially following Vice President Duterte’s impeachment on various charges, including an alleged plot against her former campaign partner. Additionally, the former president indicated that his family is exploring financial assistance through the ICC’s legal aid fund for their legal expenses.

In conclusion, Philippine officials have denied any collaboration with the ICC regarding Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest. Despite this, concerns have been raised regarding the government’s true level of involvement. Moreover, political tensions within the Duterte and Marcos families have escalated, emphasizing the complex relationship between legal proceedings and political dynamics in the Philippines.

Original Source: www.france24.com