Pasay City, Philippines — With the aim of investigating the process and legality of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, the Foreign Relations Committee Chairperson Senator Imee Marcos led a Senate inquiry regarding the matter.
During the March 20 hearing, various government agencies and some top officials were present to answer the inquiry, including the Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group among others.
At the hearing, the said officials defended the action and the role of the Philippine government over Duterte’s arrest, reiterating that the Philippines has not communicated and coordinated with the International Criminal Court since the country withdrew its membership from the Rome Statute.
The Philippine’s officials further noted that their role in the arrest is under their obligation to the International Police (Interpol) who served Duterte’s arrest warrant from ICC.
Days following this, Marcos announced her withdrawal from the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slated, citing the Senate findings related to Duterte’s arrest.
With a second hearing just around the corner, various government agencies have expressed intention to not attend the following inquiry.
Based on the letter sent by executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin addressed to the Senate President and Senator Marcos, he stated, on behalf of the other officials, that they will be declining the Upper Chamber’s invitation for the 2nd hearing.
Bersamin noted in his letter that they believe that their second appearance won’t be necessary as they already have an extensive disclosure during the initial hearing.
He also reiterated in his letter their position and stand regarding the matter of Duterte’s arrest.
Bersamin also cited the four petitions on Duterte’s arrest that are pending at the Supreme Court that are similar to the agenda presented and discussed in the Senate.
Hence, further discussion may be subject to violation of the sub judice rule and may unduly influence the proceedings.
Despite skipping the hearing, Bersamin committed to cooperating with the Senate’s inquiry through another channel, as long as it is in aid of the legislation.
Following this, Senator Imee expressed disappointment at the official’s absence at the next hearing.
He also questioned the different statements of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and of the Executive Secretary regarding attendance and participation in the inquiry.
Marcos recalled a statement from the Palace saying that the President will allow government officials to attend the hearing, while Bersamin refuses now.
The senator also questioned the timing of the refusal, saying that it should have been a chance for the officials to explain, and that skipping may further lead to public doubt and mistrust.