Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stood firm on Monday amid calls from the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to investigate officials involved in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, saying their actions were done in the country’s best interest.
“What is good for our country is what we did,” Remulla said, responding to the committee’s recommendation for the Office of the Ombudsman to look into the roles of several top officials, including himself, his brother Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Nicolas Torre III, and Ambassador Markus Lacanilao.
The Senate panel, led by Senator Imee Marcos, believes the officials could face charges of grave misconduct, graft, usurpation of judicial functions, and arbitrary detention for their part in facilitating the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against Duterte.
Remulla emphasized that he is open to any investigation, stressing, “This is a welcome development. Hindi naman tayo natatakot jan.” He also assured full cooperation should the Ombudsman pursue an inquiry, maintaining that they acted with the nation’s welfare in mind.
Duterte was apprehended at the airport upon returning from Hong Kong on March 11 and was subsequently flown to the Netherlands. Days later, he appeared before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber via video conference.
Despite protests from Duterte’s supporters, who argue that the ICC no longer holds authority over the Philippines after its withdrawal, government officials pointed out that the country remains committed to international agreements, including cooperation with Interpol, which played a key role in coordinating the arrest.
