Imee wants Duterte arrest probed

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Imee Marcos, a vocal supporter of the Duterte family, wants an investigation on the arrest and turnover to the International Criminal Court (ICC) of former president Rodrigo Duterte, to determine whether due process was followed.

Expressing his neutrality on the matter, Senate President Francis Escudero hopes that Marcos’ investigation would clarify the issues on Duterte’s arrest instead of adding more fuel to the fire.

“But if Senator Imee’s concern is about the severe divisiveness among us, then the goal of her hearing should be to heal and foster unity, rather than exacerbate our divisions or conflicts. If that is her intention, I fully support it. It should clarify the points I mentioned earlier and address the questions and doubts our fellow citizens may have regarding this issue. I hope that hearing does not add to the deepening wounds and rifts among our people,” Escudero said.

On whether he supported the probe, Escudero noted, “It’s not for me to support or not. I support every undertaking of every senator, independency of a case should not prevent that.”

Marcos, the chairperson of the Senate committee on foreign relations, has called for an urgent probe into the arrest of the former president which, she said, is an issue that has sparked widespread debate and divided the nation.

“The Senate must act decisively to uphold the country’s jurisdiction and reinforce our legal processes. Our sovereignty and legal processes must remain paramount,” the senator added.

The senator invited key officials and agencies, including representatives from the Philippine National Police, Office for Transportation Security-Department of Transportation, Department of Justice, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Security Council and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Malacañang yesterday expressed readiness to cooperate with the possible Senate probe.

According to Palace press officer Claire Castro, the administration would not prevent officials from attending such a hearing if it is in aid of legislation.

Castro also expressed confidence that the officials involved in the arrest would be able to answer questions to be raised during the investigation.

“I believe, because we just complied with all the requirements, with the law regarding the arrest of former president Duterte,” she said. — Alexis Romero, Mark Ernest Villeza