Statement of Malacañang on ICC Request to PH Gov’t over Duterte Case Witnesses’ Safety
Malacañang clarified that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will help the witnesses in the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte and not directly cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The DOJ recently confirmed that they are supporting and cooperating in the ICC request for the security of the witnesses in the case of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte. Justice Secretary Boying Remulla also confirmed that they will be giving financial assistance to the witnesses in their travel to The Hague, Netherlands where the legal proceedings are set to take place.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is currently in ICC detention for more than 100 days. The former Chief Executive is faced with an allegation of crimes against humanity over his administration’s war on drugs which is linked to several deaths.
Duterte repeatedly claimed that everything he did during his term as president was for the Philippines and the Filipino people. The confirmation of charges against the former President is scheduled on September 23.
Following the DOJ confirming that it will move for the safety of the witnesses in Duterte’s ICC case as requested by the foreign court, Malacañang clarified that the Philippine government is not directly cooperating with the ICC with regards to the matter.
Based on a report on GMA News, Malacañang press undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the the Department of Justice (DOJ) will help the witnesses and not directly cooperate with the ICC. She stressed that it is in the pursuit of giving justice to those who are calling for it.
“Parang sa ating pagkakadinig ay tutulungan ng DOJ ang mga witnesses para makapag-testify, para mabigyan ng hustisya ang dapat mabigyan ng hustisya. Hindi directly makikipagtulungan sa ICC,” the Palace official said.
According to Atty. Claire Castro, the Philippine government will help the Filipino people who are looking for justice. Based on the report, the Malacañang official stressed that it is also the call of the Commission on Human Rights.
“Still, ang tutulungan po natin ay kapwa Pilipino na nangangailangan ng tulong para mabigyan sila ng hustisya. ‘Yan din naman po ang sinasabi ng Commission on Human Rights,” Castro said.
Based on the report, the Malacañang official was also asked if the move of the Department of Justice to help the witnesses in the ICC case of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte has the approval of Pres. Bongbong Marcos. The Palace’s spox said the President wants the same.
“‘Yun po ay, ‘yan din naman po ang gusto ng Pangulo, mabigyan ng hustisya ang dapat mabigyan ng hustisya,” she said.
The camp of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte seeks an ICC interim release to an undisclosed country. DOJ Sec. Boying Remulla opposed former Pres. Duterte’s ICC interim release bid.