Senate President Francis Escudero on Wednesday cautioned politicians against using former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest to deepen political divisions ahead of the midterm elections, stressing that the matter demands a serious and impartial approach.
“This is a serious issue that involves lives and should not be trifled with for petty personal or political gain,” he said.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) upon his return from Hong Kong.
The arrest was conducted under an Interpol warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations of crimes against humanity.
Duterte, 79, is accused of orchestrating extrajudicial killings during his administration’s war on drugs, which left thousands dead.
The ICC investigation focuses on killings that occurred between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, when Duterte served as Davao City mayor and later as president.
“This development will undoubtedly elicit diverse reactions shaped by differing perspectives on the allegations against the former president, from the families of victims of extra-judicial killings to his loyal supporters,” he said.
Escudero praised law enforcement officials, Duterte’s legal team, and his supporters for their professionalism and restraint.
He also called for the ICC to respect Duterte’s rights and ensure due process in accordance with the rule of law.
“As this legal process unfolds, we expect the International Criminal Court (ICC) to respect the rights of former President Duterte and to ensure that he is afforded due process in accordance with the Rule of Law,” he reminded.
“It is in our nation’s best interests to demonstrate our strength not by division, but by our capacity to rise above our differences and to collectively and peacefully uphold justice and accountability,” Escudero concluded.
Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has previously stated that his administration would cooperate with international legal proceedings, if necessary.
Vice President Sara Duterte, Duterte’s daughter, criticized the arrest as politically motivated and insisted that he should be tried in a local court.