Sen. Imee Marcos called for clarification from Philippine officials following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on charges of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
During the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on Thursday, the senator questioned the ICC’s authority over a country that is no longer a member.
“This is bigger than Duterte. This is about our dignity as Filipinos,” Marcos said.
“They say the law should prevail. Whose law? Ours or theirs? Since when did the Philippines become a province of The Hague? If they can do this to a former president, who’s next? What stops them from doing it again?” she added.
The senator argued that the Philippines’ sovereignty is under threat.
“Justice imposed by foreigners is not justice, it is oppression. It is control. And my fellow countrymen, we are not slaves,” Marcos said.
“The Senate will seek answers, and if there is indeed wrongdoing, we will make certain to put up safeguards so this never happens again,” she added.
Meanwhile, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go supported Marcos’ stance, calling Duterte’s arrest an “unlawful surrender” by the Philippine government.
Go described March 11 as “the saddest day in Philippine history,” condemning the decision to hand over a former president to a foreign court.
“How and why did we end up in this situation? We have an existing justice system in our country, we have our own laws and courts, so why did the government allow a Filipino to be arrested in our own land?” Go said.
Meanwhile, he said that the hearing being conducted is “too late” and “useless,” and urged for Duterte’s return as soon as possible.
“I hope this never happens again. Many Filipinos were hurt,” Go concluded.