18th March 2025 – (Manila) The Philippine Senate announced on Monday that it will conduct a formal investigation into the arrest and rapid transfer of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he faces charges of crimes against humanity.
Duterte, 79, is the first former Asian head of state charged by the ICC. He stands accused of murder linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign, which rights groups allege resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings during his presidency.
The Senate inquiry was initiated by Senator Imee Marcos, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Despite her family ties, Imee Marcos maintains a close relationship with Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, amid a public falling-out between the Marcos and Duterte families.
“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,” Senator Marcos stated. She emphasised the need to determine whether due process was followed, ensuring Duterte’s legal rights were upheld. “Our sovereignty and legal processes must remain paramount,” she added.
Duterte was arrested at Manila airport on 11 March after returning from a brief trip to Hong Kong. Within hours, he was flown to the Netherlands and handed over to the ICC detention centre in Scheveningen.
The Senate has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, summoning senior police and government officials to testify. The investigation is expected to scrutinise the circumstances surrounding Duterte’s arrest and extradition.
Senator Marcos, who is seeking re-election in the May 12 midterm elections, has been vocal in her criticism of Duterte’s treatment. Hours after his arrest, she expressed concern, warning that the move “can only lead to trouble.” On Friday, she declared, “I cannot accept what they did to [Duterte].”
, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity.){kind=link}