MANILA — Malacañang has fired back at Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte for his criticism of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. regarding the arrest of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Baste Duterte had expressed disappointment that Marcos allowed the arrest of his father, despite the latter’s approval of the burial of the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 2016. He also criticized the Marcos family, linking them to martial law and oppression.
In response, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro emphasized that the law must be enforced without being swayed by personal debts of gratitude.
“The implementation of the law should not be hindered by obligations or friendships,” she stated. She also reminded that President Marcos had previously expressed his gratitude to former President Duterte for facilitating the 2016 burial.
Castro further criticized Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa for his opposition to Duterte’s arrest, calling out his suggestion that the Philippines should not recognize the International Criminal Court (ICC). She suggested Dela Rosa may have a personal stake in the situation, hinting at possible concerns about his own involvement.
Former President Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, upon his return to Manila from Hong Kong. This followed an ICC-issued arrest warrant over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs. Duterte was flown to The Hague and entered the Scheveningen Prison on March 13. The next hearing is set for September 23, 2025.
The ICC has been investigating Duterte for crimes against humanity related to the alleged deaths in his anti-drug operations during his presidency.
ia/mnm
