House Deputy Minority leader France Castro on Wednesday led the Makabayan Bloc in filing a resolution urging the government “to cooperate” with the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the alleged crime against humanity committed in the Duterte administration’s bloody anti-drugs war.
“With former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s televised admission of ordering extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and financing them with his confidential and intelligence funds, it is imperative that we allow the ICC to investigate his crimes,” said Castro of the ACT Teachers party-list.
“We urge the House leadership to support and co-author this resolution to show that we do not tolerate EJKs, and that we are working for justice to be served to his victims and their families” Castro said.
She earlier thanked the House leadership led by Speaker Ferdinand Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for siding with Castro amid the “death threat” issued by former President Duterte.
“I am grateful for the support and solidarity shown by House Speaker Romualdez and other party leaders during this challenging time. Their unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all lawmakers is commendable,” Castro said in a statement.
Referring to Duterte’s tirades, the lady solon said: “This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to speak up and fight for the rights and welfare of the Filipino people.”
“It is crucial that we continue to uphold freedom of expression and protect the voices of dissent in our democracy,” Castro stressed.
The lawmaker cited the need to address the state of impunity that allows such threats to be made against public servants.