Robin

Robin files reso defending DU30 from ICC probe

February 20, 2023 PS Jun M. Sarmiento 202 views

SENATOR Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla on Monday filed a resolution seeking to defend former President Rodrigo Duterte from investigation or prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In Senate Resolution 488, Padilla sought “to declare unequivocal defense of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines, in any investigation or prosecution by the ICC.”

Padilla, in his resolution, stressed the Philippines has a “functioning and independent” judicial system.

He also noted that after a panel of judges at the ICC in The Hague authorized the Office of the Prosecutor to resume its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in the Philippines, as Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla declared, “They are insulting us,” and described the case as “totally unacceptable.”

Padilla’s resolution likewise pointed out that the former president believed the widespread serious, and rampant illegal drug problem “is an existential threat to the country’s social fabric,” and that he was convinced fighting illegal drugs, along with corruption and other crimes, “is a prerequisite for achieving genuine growth and prosperity.”

He added the Duterte presidency ushered “remarkable accomplishments” brought about by a “relentless campaign against illegal drugs, insurgency, separatism and terrorism, corruption and criminality, while the peace and order situation considerably improved.”