Duterte allies challenge ICC arrest legality during Senate hearing

Allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte questioned the validity and legality of his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a Senate hearing, raising concerns over procedural issues and jurisdiction.

Senators Imee Marcos and Alan Peter Cayetano challenged why the warrant was not coursed through a Philippine court, questioning whether Duterte had enough time for legal remedies.

Lawyer Alexis Medina cited Section 6 of the Philippine Bill of Rights, stating that a lawful order of the Court is required if a person is to be expelled from the country, and Imee Marcos questioned whether Duterte's surrender was an admission that the justice system had failed.

Vice President Sara Duterte made an unexpected appearance via video teleconference from The Hague, where she flew to follow her father's ICC trial and argued for due process rights under Philippine law.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla maintained that Duterte's arrest was legal under Section 17 of the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, which allows surrender or extradition if another court is investigating the crime, while also acknowledging challenges in DOJ investigations into extrajudicial killings (EJKs).

Duterte faces charges in the ICC for crimes against humanity related to the drug war, which has resulted in thousands of deaths without due process.