By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – The Senate will hold a caucus to discuss the International Criminal Court (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor’s move identifying Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as alleged co-perpetrators in the killings that took place during the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
In a televised interview Tuesday, Sen. Bam Aquino said the matter would first be taken up internally by the chamber as it awaits formal action from the ICC.
“Pag-uusapan po naming yan bukas, magko-caucus yata kami. Pero unang-una hintayin po muna siguro natin yung pormal na deklarasyon ng ICC sa February 23 kung ano ba talaga yung andiyan (We will discuss that tomorrow in a caucus. But first, let us wait for the ICC’s formal declaration on Feb. 23 on what is really there),” he said.
Aquino reiterated his position that cases involving alleged extrajudicial killings should ideally be tried before Philippine courts, but said he respects the legal process underway before the ICC.
The confirmation of charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to begin on Feb. 23, with additional hearings set on Feb. 24, 26 and 27. (PNA)
