DOJ, ICC urged to use Duterte statements

Sen. Risa Hontiveros yesterday urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to use former president Rodrigo Duterte's statements during the Senate's drug war hearing to build a case against him.

- By MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel said it would be disappointing if a foreign entity would beat Philippine prosecutors in using Duterte's statements, whose transcripts would be made available to the public.

If the transcripts would be used as evidence, it would be certified by the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee that Pimentel chairs, he told "Storycon" on One News yesterday.

Asked if the panel would certify the transcripts if requested by the ICC, Pimentel said the matter may need to be discussed at the Senate plenary.

"We will cross the bridge when we get there. There is no request yet. For me, I will be greatly disappointed if the international body will be the first one to make the request rather than a Philippine group, group of Filipinos," Pimentel said.