The Senate has adopted Resolution No. 144, or the resolution requesting the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hold former President Rodrigo Duterte under house arrest for humanitarian considerations.
During the session on Wednesday, October 1, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, the co-sponsor of the proposed resolution, urged his fellow senators to consider the former leader’s health condition, citing his age and frail body.
“Nais ko pong linawin na tayo ay hindi humihingi ng kalayaan mula sa proseso. Hindi rin po ito paghuhusga sa merito o katotohanan ng mga kaso laban kay dating Pangulong Duterte. Ang panawagan lamang natin ay para sa isang makataong konsiderasyon - that he be allowed to be placed under house arrest, given his age and frail medical condition,” Marcoleta stated.
“Justice must never be devoid of compassion. Accountability may be demanded, trials may proceed, but at no point should our humanity be surrendered. If the ICC truly claims to uphold the dignity of every human person, then it must not deny this humanitarian plea,” he added.
Moreover, the document, introduced by Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, cited the elder Duterte’s “deteriorating health.” According to them, if medical findings prove that his continued detention will further worsen his medical condition, then the ICC should allow the former leader to be detained under house arrest.
Citing Article 10(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the senators wrote that “all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.”
Fifteen senators voted in favor of the resolution, three voted against, and two abstained from voting.
Those who voted against were Senators Risa Hontiveros, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino. Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Senator Raffy Tulfo abstained.
With 15 affirmative votes, Senate Resolution No. 144 was adopted.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH Balansyado on September 24, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa announced that he, along with senators Robin Padilla and Christopher “Bong” Go, aim to file a Senate resolution urging the government to advocate for the interim release of former President Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague, the Netherlands.
“Dahil nga alam natin na matanda na si Pangulong Duterte, may sakit at medyo may cognitive impairment na siya. At sa ngayon, sabi, butot balat na lang daw siya at hirap na makatayo,” Dela Rosa explained.
