ICC lawyer says Duterte's arrest compliant with Philippine law
An International Criminal Court (ICC)-accredited private lawyer disputed claims that former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest was warrantless, emphasizing full compliance with Philippine law and international statutes.
Lawyer Joel Butuyan stated during a Palace briefing on Friday that the ICC issued an arrest warrant under which the Philippines is a member, stressing that the arrest followed proper legal procedures.
Butuyan cited Republic Act 9851 and Article 59 of the Rome Statute to argue that Duterte's arrest was valid and not warrantless.
Vice President Sara Duterte questioned the legality of her father’s arrest during a Senate hearing on Thursday, claiming it was illegal and politically motivated.
Butuyan maintained that Duterte received special treatment compared to ordinary suspects in the Philippines, noting additional privileges granted beyond what is required by law.
Duterte was arrested upon his return from Hong Kong on March 11 based on an ICC warrant and flown to The Hague for court proceedings with full legal representation provided.
The next hearing to confirm charges against Duterte will be held on September 23 in the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen.
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