Legislation not needed to create Rody special court

There is no need for new legislation to create the special court that former president Rodrigo Duterte wished would handle his possible trial for the summary executions of thousands in his so-called war on drugs.

-  JOSE RODEL CLAPANO

Sta. Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez said there is an existing law that allows the creation of such courts for hearing crimes of the scale allegedly perpetrated by the Duterte administration.

Official data placed drug war deaths during the Duterte administration at more than 7,000 while independent sources said the figure could reach more than 20,000.

"We have existing law that will govern this special case," Fernandez told The STAR in a text message. He co-chairs the quad committee of the House of Representatives.

He said Section 18 of Republic Act (RA) 9851 or the "Act defining and penalizing crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide and other crimes against humanity, organizing jurisdiction, designating special courts and for related purposes" provides that Philippine courts, prosecutors and investigators shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction over the crimes punishable under this act.