MANILA – In the aftermath of the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang on Thursday (13 Mar 2025) urged the public to take a more balanced view on the issue, emphasizing the need to consider both sides of the story—especially the plight of the alleged victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during Duterte’s controversial drug war.
During a panel discussion with officials from the Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro responded to criticisms from Duterte supporters, urging the public not to focus solely on one aspect of the situation.
“Hindi lamang po dapat na titingnan ang isang side of the story. Mayroon po tayong nakakalimutan, iyong kuwento po ng diumano’y mga biktima ng EJK. So, tingnan po natin pareho, huwag po tayong kumampi (We should not only look at one side of the story. We are forgetting something, the story of the alleged victims of EJK. So, let’s look at both directions, let’s not take sides),” Castro said.
She further reminded the public that while many people may admire the former president, the pursuit of justice must be prioritized above personal biases.
“Alam natin na mayroon po kayong iniidolo, mayroon po kayong hinahangaan, pero this time ay dapat po ay hustisya po ang mag-prevail – hustisya para sa diumano’y mga biktima at hustisya rin po kay dating Pangulong Duterte (We know that you have idols, you admire people, but this time, justice must prevail – justice for the alleged victims and also justice for former President Duterte),” she added.
The arrest of Duterte occurred on Tuesday when the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), along with local law enforcement, took him into custody based on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC is investigating alleged crimes against humanity related to killings under Duterte’s drug war, which began during his tenure as Davao City mayor and continued through his presidency.
Duterte is now in The Hague, Netherlands, awaiting trial.
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