Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration remains committed to seeking justice for victims and continuing the fight against illegal drugs.
“We will not stop in our pursuit of justice, nor will we relent in our fight against illegal drugs,” Castro said Friday. “We can do this, and we will not turn a blind eye,” she added.
Her remarks came as Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla acknowledged the failures of the Philippine justice system in addressing extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and admitted that pursuing drug war cases remains a challenge.
The admission has raised questions about whether the government can hold suspects accountable beyond former President Rodrigo Duterte, whose controversial anti-drug campaign left thousands dead.
When asked about addressing the systematic lapses in the justice system, Castro emphasized that the current administration is demonstrating its dedication to due process.
“The justice system is functioning, but it may be coincidental that the International Criminal Court (ICC) intervened because justice was not fully served during Duterte’s term,” Castro said.
The ICC is currently investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s war on drugs. Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court in 2019, the investigation continues.
Castro said the Department of Justice (DOJ) would pursue cases if complainants present complete evidence and demonstrate sufficient grounds for prosecution.
“If there are complaints filed, and the evidence is solid, the DOJ will bring these cases to court,” she said.
Following Duterte’s arrest, the Marcos administration has faced pressure from human rights advocates to ensure accountability and transparency. Meanwhile, families of drug war victims continue to demand justice, urging the government to address past abuses.
The DOJ has yet to provide a comprehensive update on pending cases related to the drug war. The ICC’s probe, however, remains a point of contention in the country’s political landscape.