More willing to testify in next Senate hearing

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos revealed that more individuals are willing to testify in the next Senate hearing regarding the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11, 2025.

Marcos, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, stated that she is uncertain if a second hearing will take place.

She also mentioned that she has not yet discussed the matter with her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., regarding the alleged unlawful arrest of the former President.

Vice President Sara Duterte, who attended the hearing via Zoom, insisted that her father was kidnapped and that the arrest bypassed the Philippine courts, which are responsible for determining the legality of the warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The former President faces allegations of murder as a crime against humanity in connection with his administration's controversial war on drugs. He is currently detained at The Hague, Netherlands.

The Vice President previously described her father’s arrest as a blatant affront to Philippine sovereignty and an insult to Filipinos who value the nation’s independence.

During the hearing, she reiterated that the arrest was politically motivated and aimed at discrediting political opponents.

“This is all about politics, to demolish the opposition,” she asserted.

Senator Marcos echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Isinuko natin si Rodrigo Roa Duterte sa dayuhan na para bang wala siyang sariling bayan, na para bang hindi na natin kayang humusga sa sarili nating tahanan. Sabi nila, batas ang dapat manaig. Tama! But whose law? Ours or theirs? Since when did the Philippines become a province of The Hague?”

Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. of the Department of National Defense clarified during the hearing that his department and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have no law enforcement mandate.

“Our sole mandate is to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) when requested. Beyond that, our jurisdiction ends,” Teodoro explained.

He added that the operation was clearly a law enforcement matter, with the PNP holding the authority to request assistance from the armed forces. All other aspects of their involvement are governed by operational security protocols.

Meanwhile, the Visayas Human Development Agency, Inc. (VIHDA) described Duterte’s arrest and detention at The Hague as a step toward justice for the victims of his administration’s notorious war on drugs, which later expanded into a crackdown on progressives and critics.

VIHDA emphasized that this development highlights the effectiveness of collective efforts by families, colleagues, and institutions advocating for accountability for the widespread human rights violations committed by the State.

"VIHDA stands in solidarity with the families of victims and human rights defenders in our collective call for justice and accountability," the organization stated. (CEBU NEWS)