Senator Imee: Duterte arrest is politically motivated

Senator Imee Marcos said in a press conference the other day in Cebu that efforts to bring former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC) are politically motivated.

- Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon

According to Marcos, major political events were often followed by statements and actions from the administration related to the ICC.

She said that after Duterte became a vocal critic the government, President Ferdinand “Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM) responded by saying the Philippines is “an open country” and would only intervene if the ICC committed any illegal act.

After Duterte attended the Quadcom hearing on November 11, 2024, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin later said that local authorities would consider cooperating with Interpol if requested by the ICC.

Following the massive INC-led Peace Rally on January 13, 2025, which forced pro-administration lawmakers to tone down impeachment talks against Vice President Sara Duterte, the administration allegedly launched the “Oplan Tugis” or “Operation Pursuit,” according to the senator.

This was soon followed by the Justice secretary’s statement that the government was open to discussions with the ICC.