Escudero backs Senate inquiry into Duterte's arrest

Senate President Francis Escudero expressed support for an investigation into former president Rodrigo Duterte's arrest, emphasizing that it should promote national unity rather than deepen political divisions.

Escudero made this statement amid Senator Imee Marcos's push for a Senate inquiry set to take place on Thursday at 10 a.m., which aims to clarify questions and concerns among Filipinos regarding the matter.

Marcos’s Committee on Foreign Relations will hold a hearing to examine the roles of the International Criminal Court, Interpol, and other government agencies in Duterte's arrest on March 11.

The committee seeks to determine if measures were taken to protect Duterte's rights under domestic laws and relevant treaties throughout the process.

Escudero stressed that an ongoing court case should not prevent the Senate from exercising its oversight function, citing previous Supreme Court rulings affirming Congress' authority to conduct inquiries independent of judicial proceedings.

Scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m., the hearing will summon key officials from various agencies including the Philippine National Police, Department of Justice, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Escudero reiterated that under Senate rules, committees have the power to initiate hearings on their own initiative.