MANILA – Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile reaffirmed the significance of due process, stating that all individuals, including drug suspects, must be guaranteed legal protections.
In a Facebook post following former President Rodrigo Duterte’s initial appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday, Enrile underscored that even criminals are entitled to due process under the law.
“Under our system of social order, even criminals are entitled to due process,” Enrile wrote. He then raised concerns about the victims of Duterte’s controversial “Oplan Tokhang” campaign, questioning whether they were granted their legal rights.
“Were they presumed innocent before they were summarily killed or killed with impunity?” Enrile asked, referencing the campaign where police officers visited suspected drug users’ homes and encouraged them to surrender. The initiative faced widespread criticism for alleged human rights abuses.
Enrile called for restraint, emphasizing that no one, especially those in authority, should take the law into their own hands.
The ICC has scheduled Duterte’s next hearing for September 23 to determine if charges for crimes against humanity will move forward to trial. Meanwhile, ICC assistant counsel Ma. Kristina Conti noted that Duterte could request interim release while awaiting proceedings. “He can seek legal remedies, including interim release or temporary freedom,” Conti said, adding that strict court protocols ensure that accused individuals face their cases fairly.
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