Senate inquiry on Duterte arrest faces Cabinet absence
Senator Imee Marcos announced that Cabinet officials will not attend the second day of the Senate investigation regarding the March 11 arrest and detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague, Netherlands. This announcement follows an official communication from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
Bersamin confirmed the issuance of a letter to Senate President Chiz Escudero and Senator Marcos, stating that officials from various government agencies had already participated in the March 20 hearing and addressed inquiries. He indicated that further participation was deemed unnecessary, citing the extensive disclosures already provided and Senator Marcos’s public relay of her findings.
The Executive Secretary’s letter referenced Executive Order 464 (EO 464), which pertains to executive privilege and the confidentiality of communications between the President and Cabinet officials. Senator Marcos expressed concern over the absence of the officials, stating that numerous questions remain unanswered. She argued that EO 464 does not provide a blanket exemption from Senate inquiries, emphasizing that executive privilege should be invoked on a question-by-question basis.
The Senate investigation stems from the arrest of former President Duterte, based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. The arrest and subsequent detention in The Hague have prompted discussions regarding the application of Republic Act 9851, which addresses crimes against international humanitarian law. This law includes provisions for the surrender or extradition of individuals to international tribunals.
Duterte’s case involves charges related to the killings during his administration’s war on drugs. The ICC has scheduled the confirmation of charges for September 23, 2025.