Malacañang dismisses Imee’s claims on Duterte arrest

Malacañang dismissed Senator Imee Marcos' claim that a ''group effort'' from the administration led to former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest on March 11.

Imee plans to formally disclose her findings on the legality of Duterte's arrest on April 29, maintaining that it was illegal and violated his rights; she also claims there is a coordinated attempt by the government to cover up details of the arrest.

The Palace has consistently defended the arrest as an enforcement of the law, citing Section 17 of Republic Act 9851, which allows authorities to surrender suspects to international courts.

Duterte was arrested based on an ICC warrant and flown to The Hague hours after his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila; Imee added that the arrest and transport were politically motivated with a pattern of significant political incidents preceding major statements by the administration.

Lawyers are currently debating the ID requirements for potential victims' witnesses at the International Criminal Court, with confirmation of these charges set for September 23, 2025.