Vice President Sara Duterte has called for criminal and administrative charges to be filed against government officials allegedly involved in the controversial arrest and transfer of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a Manila Bulletin report, Duterte expressed her support for Senator Imee Marcos’ recent push for accountability. Marcos had earlier recommended legal action against top officials in the Marcos administration, including DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, CIDG chief Nicolas Torre III, and Special Envoy for Transnational Crimes Markus Lacanilao.
“Ngayon, gusto naming makita na ma-file-an ng kaso ‘yung mga tao na may kasalanan sa kung anong nangyari sa pagdukot kay dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte,” the Vice President stated, echoing her demand for justice over what she described as a “kidnapping.”
She added that if the Marcos administration insists the arrest wasn’t politically motivated, then legal steps should be taken against those responsible. “Dapat nakikita natin na may mga kaso ang mga taong ito,” she emphasized.
The former president was arrested on March 11 and was swiftly flown to The Hague, Netherlands, where he remains in ICC custody. He is set to appear before the Pre-Trial Chamber I on September 23 for the confirmation of charges.
Senator Imee Marcos, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, led a probe into the arrest. Her fallout with the administration over the issue also led her to exit her brother’s senatorial slate, a move later backed by Vice President Duterte.
