By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Senate President Francis Escudero on Wednesday commended law enforcement, legal representatives, and supporters for the orderly and incident-free serving of the arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
In a statement, Escudero highlighted the country’s commitment to international agreements, calling the warrant’s execution a testament to the “maturity, civility, calm, and professionalism” displayed by all parties involved.
“As this legal process unfolds, we expect the International Criminal Court (ICC) 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 said.
The warrant, linked to allegations of human rights violations, has sparked varied reactions, from families of extrajudicial killing victims to Duterte’s staunch supporters.
Duterte has been flown to The Netherlands Tuesday night to face the charges against him.
Escudero urged the public to uphold restraint and respect, mirroring the conduct observed during the warrant’s implementation.
He also cautioned candidates in the upcoming midterm elections against using the case for political gain.
“This is a serious issue that involves lives and should not be trifled with for petty personal or political gain,” he said.
The Senate President, likewise, urged midterm elections candidates to refrain from using the issue for personal or political gain.
As legal proceedings continue, Escudero called for national unity, emphasizing that justice and accountability should be pursued without fostering deeper divisions. (PNA)
