Senator Imee Marcos is poised to lead an inquiry into the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity.
"As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I am calling for an urgent investigation into the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, an issue that has deeply divided the nation," Marcos said in an official statement on Monday.
The presidential sister argued that it is essential to determine if due process was followed in the arrest and to ensure that Duterte's legal rights were properly upheld and protected, especially with the involvement of the ICC and Interpol.
Moreover, Marcos stated that she is extending invitations to key officials and relevant agencies, including representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Transportation – Office for Transportation Security (DOTR-OTS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the National Security Council (NSC), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), as well as other resource persons and witnesses.
"The Senate must address these critical concerns to uphold the country’s jurisdiction and to clarify policies governing our law enforcement agencies and their engagement with international tribunals," said Senator Marcos.
She reiterated that the country's sovereignty and legal processes must remain "paramount."
The former president was arrested upon his arrival in Manila from Hong Kong on March 11. Later that same day, he was flown to The Hague in the Netherlands to face trial for charges filed against him.
Malacañang previously revealed that just hours before Duterte's arrival in the country, Interpol Manila received the official copy of the ICC warrant, prompting the Prosecutor General of the Department of Justice to enforce it.
He is facing charges of crimes against humanity, allegedly committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.
Duterte is currently in the custody of the ICC at the Scheveningen detention center. During his first ICC hearing on Friday, which was conducted via video link, he was informed of the charges against him and made aware of his rights as a defendant.
The confirmation hearing for his charges is scheduled to take place on September 23, 2025.
