ESCUDERO: PEACEFUL, ORDERLY SERVICE OF DUTERTE ARREST WARRANT SHOWS PH’S COMMITMENT TO INT’L AGREEMENTS

SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday said that the peaceful and orderly service of the arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC)I against former president Rodrigo Duterte was a reflection of the Philippines’ commitment to upholding international agreements.

Escudero issued the statement a day after Philippine authorities arrested Duterte on Tuesday and brought him to The Hague in Netherlands for the ICC trial.

Duterte was arrested to face charges of crimes against humanity.

The leader of the Senate described the warrant’ execution a testament to the “maturity, civility, calm, and professionalism” displayed by all parties involved.

“The peaceful and orderly service of the Interpol warrant—carried out without incident—reflects our nation’s commitment to upholding international agreements, as well as the maturity, civility, calm, and professionalism of all those involved: our law enforcement authorities, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, his lawyers, and his supporters,” Escudero said.

“As this legal process unfolds, we expect the International Criminal Court to respect the rights of former President Duterte and to ensure that he is afforded due process in accordance with the Rule of Law,” he added.

According to Escudero, the arrest of Duterte will undoubtedly elicit diverse reactions shaped by differing perspectives on the allegations against the former president, from the families of victims of extra-judicial killings to his loyal supporters.

“Debate and disagreement are natural in a democracy, but as we move forward, I urge our kababayan to approach this moment with restraint and respect displayed yesterday by the protagonists from both sides, the Senate leader said.

He also called on those running in the midterm elections to refrain from using the issue to fan the flames of partisanship in order to further their candidacies as this is a serious issue that involves lives and should not be trifled with for petty personal or political gain.

“It is in our nation’s best interests to demonstrate our strength not by division, but by our capacity to rise above our differences and to collectively and peacefully uphold justice and accountability,” Escudero said.