Manila, Philippines – Senator Imee Marcos has disclosed preliminary findings from the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations’ inquiry into the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, revealing key lapses in the government’s actions. According to Marcos, the Philippines received a diffusion notice from Interpol rather than a red notice, meaning there was no immediate international directive for Duterte’s arrest. Despite this, the findings indicate that the Philippine government had already begun coordinating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and making preparations for Duterte’s arrest even before receiving the official notice on March 11.
Marcos further asserted that Duterte’s legal rights were violated during the arrest. She pointed out that no local court had issued a warrant, making the arrest legally questionable. She also claimed that the former president’s liberty was unlawfully restricted, as he was allegedly denied access to legal counsel, visitation rights, and the opportunity to post bail. The senator emphasized that these actions violated constitutional safeguards on due process and human rights.
The findings have intensified debates on the government’s role in Duterte’s arrest, with his supporters calling for accountability and legal clarity. Meanwhile, the Marcos administration has yet to respond to the allegations, as the Senate committee continues its investigation into the matter.
