By Junex Doronio
MANILA – The late Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. must be turning in his grave as the feisty ex-president Rodrigo Duterte has renamed the party he founded during the dark years of dictatorship of Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr. by dropping the word “Laban” and by simply calling it PDP.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that the PDP could be the acronym for President Duterte’s Party, either referring to the former president or the anticipated presidency of Inday Sara Duterte in 2028.
No longer Partido ng Demoktatikong Pilipino, the political observers averred.
It was learned that the removal od the word “Laban” from the party’s name was one of the two constitutional amendments approved by party members during their meeting held in Cebu City last Friday (19 April 2024).
There was no immediate reaction from Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III as of this posting.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The cat is out of the bag, so to speak.
This is after former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte affirmed his love for China as he also expressed doubts that the United States will defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack in the South China Sea.
This developed as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Friday (12 April 2024) questioned Duterte as to what he compromised in the “secret agreement” he made with China.
“The first question that I have is clear so now, we need to know, what did you agree to? What did you compromise? Ano ‘yung pinamigay niyo? Bakit nagagalit sa atin ang mga kaibigan natin sa China dahil hindi kami sumusunod? Ano ‘yung dapat naming gawin? Ano ‘yung laman nu’ng secret agreement na ‘yan?” Marcos Jr. said.
But this time, FPRD could no longer conceal where his heart was.
“I love China more than the Americans, simply because I do not believe in their habit, and the habit of saying things and doing what they are doing now,” Duterte said in the article posted on April 12 in the Global Times, a Chinese state-funded English language newspaper.
The feisty ex-president also told Chinese journalists that the US is provoking the Philippine government to “find a quarrel and eventually maybe start a war.”
“So I am very sure of that – America is giving the instructions to the Philippine government to ‘not be afraid because we will back you up,’” Duterte said.
“But I do not think that America will die for us. And yet America has so many bases in the Philippines now,” he stressed.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In what could be described as a proxy battle between those leaning towards the United States and those friendly to China, more adult Filipinos support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who is pro-US than the Duterte family and their political allies who are perceived to be “subservient” to the country whose coast guard and maritime militia are frequently incursing into the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
On Monday (8 April 2024), Octa’s Tugon ng Masa survey revealed that 31% of adult Filipinos support the current PBBM administration while 20% still support the Duterte political dynasty and their allies.
Octa said the survey was conducted nationwide from March 11 to 14 with a margin of error of ±3%.
It added that there were 1,200 male and female respondents aged 18 and above from Class AB, C, D, or E homes who were interviewed for the study.
Based on the survey, Marcos Jr. garnered the highest support from the National Capital Region at 43% and received the lowest support from Mindanao at 17%.
PBBM received the highest support from Class D at 32% and received the lowest support from Class ABC at 27%.
For the Duterte political dynasty and their allies, the highest support came from Mindanao at 53% while they received the lowest support from Balanced Luzon at 7%.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Only last month, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte accused his successor President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. of being a drug addict but now he’s denying he said it at all.
“Si Presidente? Wala akong sinabi na ganoon, even if you kill me a thousand times, wala akong sinabi. Taking a drug, pero kung sabihin mong adik, wala akong sinabi na ganoon,” he said in a press conference in Davao City.
It can be recalled that Duterte told a large crowd of supporters in Davao City last month: “Bongbong, bangag yan. May drug addict tayo na president.”
On Tuesday (27 February 2024), Duterte also refused to further discuss plans for the Mindanao independence movement, which he floated earlier.
“It has always been the dream of some people to be independent, pero if it causes a rupture in our entire system sa republika, I will not go for it. Meaning I will not go for a force carving…Mindanao out of the Philippines,” the feisty former president said.
He added: “I do not want my country dismembered. I do not want a part of my country taken away. I do not want my country to be disturbed physically even in the slightest. It goes for Luzon hanggang Jolo.”
But last month, after accusing President Marcos Jr. of being behind the people’s initiative signature campaign to change the Constitution, FPRRD pushed the idea of Mindanao seceding from the rest of the Philippines.
Duterte even claimed that there is currently a “regrouping of the political arena that is still in the works” that would lead to the campaign for Mindanao to separate from the rest of the country.
Political analyst Ronald Llamas tagged Duterte as the “biggest threat” to President Marcos Jr.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying it’s “silly,” former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has denied the accusation by a former landscaper Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy that he and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, once received firearms from the controversial televangelist.
Vice President Duterte, on the other hand, had dismissed the claim as mere “attacks” against her, possibly by those who want to be the next president of the country, apparently referring to Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez who heads the House of Representatives that stripped the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) of P650 million total of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in the proposed 2024 budget.
“Kami magtanggap ng baril kay Pastor Apollo Quiboloy? Ako pa mag-deliver sa kaniya ng kanyon bukas, o machine gun,” Duterte blurted out at a press conference in Davao City on Tuesday night, as reported by GMA-7 Unang Balita on Wednesday.
A certain “Rene” who claimed to be a former landscaper of Quiboloy testified before a Senate committee on February 19 that he once witnessed FPRRD and VP Sara receiving “bags of guns” from the controversial religious leader in Davao City.
“Bakit pa si Pastor ang magbigay ng baril sa akin? Saan siya magkuha? Kung magsabi siya wala siyang baril, bigyan ko siya,” the feisty former president said.
The Senate is now investigating Quiboloy and KOJC in aid of legislation for alleged sexual abuses and human trafficking activities.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
CEBU CITY — In what appeared to be a reconciliatory move by the Dutertes with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr whom they had maligned and asked to resign, the supposed prayer rally at the South Road Properties (SRP) in this city was snubbed not only by the Chief Executive but also by their invited “honorable guests” like Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy and Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia.
As a seemingly ominous sign, there was a heavy downpour of rain at the South Road Properties (SRP) forcing a few thousand participants to scamper and seek shelter under makeshift tents on Sunday (25 February 2024) and the program only started on 8 p.m. with only Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama and Acting Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros attending from the invited Cebu officials.
Garcia and Quiboloy, reputedly the spiritual adviser and close friend of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, did not send their respective representative or even a video message to the supposed prayer rally against Charter change (Cha-Cha) and People’s Initiative (PI).
“Bigo, bigo. In short, it was a non-event. It was known for the absence of many things, of many people, including President Bongbong Marcos, Sara Duterte, Cebu officials, Governor Gwen Garcia, and many more… It was a flop,” Armand Dean Nocum commented in his vlog.
Vlogcaster Armand noted that the tirades against the President were noticeably mellowed down although Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte said in Cebuano that the government is now in crisis and his impression was that PBBM could not control his cousin Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
CEBU CITY — Saying that relaxing economic provisions to attract foreign investors is not enough excuse to change the 37-year-old Constitution, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Sunday (25 Feb 2024) said he sees the People’s Initiative (PI) campaign as an attempt by Congress to keep the administration in power.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared that amendments will be on “economic matters alone, or those strategically aimed at boosting our country’s economy — nothing more.”
Ironically, there were also attempts to push Cha-Cha in the guise of advancing federalism during the six-year term of Duterte.
The rally organized by the Cebu Coalition for Transparency, Accountability, Peace and Security (CCTAPS) coincided with the 38th anniversary of the first EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted the 20-year regime of PBBM’s late father Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr.(FEM).
Duterte had allowed the remains of FEM to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani despite protests from leftist groups and victims of abuses during the martial law period.
“I would support any changes in the Constitution that would enhance, improve and make the Filipinos happy,” Duterte said, adding that the six-year term of the President is enough.
However, FPRRD said that proposed changes to the 1987 charter should not be influenced by self-interest.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the frantic announcement of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque that ex-president Rodrigo Roa Duterte will be arrested anytime, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday assured that it will not enforce the possible arrest warrant that will be issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said they view the anticipated ICC arrest warrant as an interference with the sovereignty of the Philippines.
“Yes, because there is already a question of jurisdiction kasi ito ay sa tingin natin ay panghihimasok sa sovereignty ng ating bansa,” Fajardo said in a press conference.
Roque earlier disclosed that Duterte told him he received information that he may be arrested any time in connection with the ICC’s probe into his administration’s drug war.
Under Duterte’s drug war, at least 6,200 suspects were killed in police operations based on government records.
But human rights groups, however, claimed the actual death toll could be from 12,000 to 30,000.
In January this year, former senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV revealed that a warrant of arrest is expected to be issued soon against Duterte and other respondents under ICC’s probe.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Without naming former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have issued warnings against moves that threaten the “territorial integrity” of the Philippines.
The DND and DOJ issued the warnings after Duterte revived the campaign for “a separate and independent Mindanao” kicked off, which Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez said he is gathering signatures for.
“The mandate of the Department of National Defense is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of our national territory as enshrined in the Constitution,” Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said. “We will strictly enforce this mandate whether externally or internally.”
In a separate statement, the DOJ said it is “vehemently opposed” to calls for secession “of Mindanao or other parts of the country.”
It pointed out that secession is contrary to the principles of a democratic society as stated in the Constitution and called on Filipinos “to reject secessionist ideologies.”
Philippine National Police (PNP)chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the police forces are already looking into the matter.
“‘Yun ang tinitignan natin those who are talking about such interest of separating yun ang mino-monitor natin,” Acorda Jr. said.
The PNP chief, however, expressed confidence that the national police will oppose moves to separate Mindanao from the Republic of the Philippines.
“These are all defined through our Constitution, yung territory natin, sovereignty natin. It’s not good na after all the sacrifices of our heroes and other kababayans and now that we are enjoying peace (that this comes up),” Acorda Jr. quipped.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Without naming former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as the instigator of the new secessionist movement in Mindanao, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. has warned the public against supporting the campaign.
This developed as political science professor Dennis Coronacion on Saturday said the revival of talks of Mindanao independence is meant to show that Duterte and his allies still influence parts of the Philippines.
“Let us turn away from any call or movement that aims to destabilize our beloved nation, especially to separate Mindanao from the rest of the country,” Galvez said on Friday (02 Feb 2024).
Galvez once served as a military commander in what is now the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Coronacion, however, said he believes any actual move to split the Philippines’ second-largest island from the republic will likely not prosper.
The chairman of the Department of Political Science at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) said that the talk of secession shows “how far [politicians] are willing to go just to serve their interest.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Coming from a former president, it was not a joke when former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called for the separation of Mindanao from the Republic of the Philippines and he could be criminally charged with inciting to sedition.
This was the contention of former Akbayan party-list Representative Barry Gutierrez in reaction to Duterte’s rant against the administration and his daring call for “Mindanao independence.”
“Sinabi niya (Duterte) sa Isang public event. Hindi basta joke. Hindi basta madi-dismiss na joke yun kasi karamihan sa mga tao doon naniniwala na yun ang kanyang panawagan,” Gutierrez said in an interview with Facts First podcast hosted by former Inquirer reporter Christian Esguerra.
Gutierrez pointed out that Duterte is not an ordinary citizen being an ex-president who still wields some influence.
In a press conference late Tuesday night, Duterte bared that local political forces would be regrouping here to start a movement for a “separate and independent Mindanao.”
Duterte assured the Mindanao breakaway “won’t be a bloody one” because he said it would follow the processes established by the United Nations.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The days of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte are now numbered with the possible issuance of an international arrest.
This is the fearless forecast of political analyst Ronald Llamas in his interview with Richard Heydarian through the latter’s vlog on YouTube.
Llamas, who served as presidential political adviser of then President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, expressed the belief that the former president would be arrested “sooner than later.”
“Historically, yung proseso na yan, mga seven to eight years … Nandun na tayo sa seven years. More or less, inaasahan na based on their timeline frame, mukhang hahampas yan sooner than later,” Llamas said.
Duterte is being charged before the International Criminal Court (ICC) with “crimes against humanity” due to the reported 30,000 victims of extra-judicial killings (EJKs) in the course of his campaign against illegal drugs.
Llamas also mentioned that the ICC already got hold of former Davao Death Squad (DDS) hitman Arthur “Arthur” Lascañas who said that Duterte, who served as mayor for more than 20 years, was behind the DDS in a 186-page affidavit submitted to the ICC.
He pointed out that the ICC will have to act fast since this is the first time that an Asian leader is being investigated by the ICC.
“First time na may Asian… kaya di sila pwede mag-dilly dally,” Llamas said.
He noted that the government will have no choice but to cooperate with the ICC.
“Pero pag-issue ng international warrant at yan ay i-implement probably by Interpol, hindi naman di pwedeng samahan yan ng gobyerno, di naman di pwedeng suportahan ng PNP,” Llamas said.
He also expressed apprehension of a chaotic situation if the government cannot effectively protect those who will serve an international arrest warrant on Duterte.
“Pag may nangyari sa implementing people na yan ay sirang-sira tayo sa international (community),” Llamas said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos expressed her profound support for the proposed discussion between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding the investigation involving Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
“Now is the time! As I’ve mentioned, who’s afraid of SMNI? Or perhaps, who’s afraid of [former] President Duterte? He is a revered and beloved leader whose wise counsel will always be beneficial to the country,” remarked Senator Marcos.
“There’s nothing wrong with listening to good advice, especially when it comes from a former President,” the lady lawmaker added.
Earlier, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) stated that President Marcos is always available to meet with Duterte.
“President Marcos is consistently available to former President Duterte. The President will contact him shortly to inquire about his interest in a meeting,” stated Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Believe it or not but former president Rodrigo “Digong/Rody” Roa Duterte who called God “stupid” and said 90 percent of Catholic priests are homosexuals or “gays” now attends Mass three (3) times every Sunday.
“On Sundays, I go to Mass. Three times. One in the morning, noontime mass, and in the evening,” Duterte quipped during a recent press conference in a Davao City hotel.
It can be recalled that in 2018, Duterte stirred controversy with his remark on the Biblical creation story and commented that God was “stupid” for allowing temptation to corrupt Adam and Eve.
He also criticized the Catholic observance of All Saints and All Souls’ Days, saying the saints were just drunkards and that the people could instead put a picture of “Santo Rodrigo” on their altars.
Much earlier, in 2015, Duterte said he had cursed out Pope Francis over the traffic that was caused by his visit to the Philippines.
“I am a very holy man. I’m a whole human being now,” Duterte claimed.
While president, Duterte clashed with the Catholic church leaders and human rights advocates over his administration’s bloody war on drugs.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that the “360-degree transformation of Digong” was meant to impress the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators — if they are indeed in the country — that the ex-president is now a changed man.
The question is: Will the rebranded Duterte be able to convince the ICC?
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Candidly admitting that he is now tired, former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte has thrown in the towel on a possible senatorial bid despite the result of a survey firm purportedly established by his rabid supporter showing him topping the choice of potential candidates for the Senate race next year.
On Saturday (January 6), Duterte, 78, underscored that he is not inclined to come out of retirement, assuring the public that this is the “truth.”
“I am telling you the truth, wala na ako. Maski gusto ko man, pero hindi na kaya ng katawan ko. Why do I have to make some pretensions here?” the feisty ex-president said during a press conference.
In November, Duterte said he would be forced to run for senator in 2025 or vice president in 2028 if his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte is impeached from office.
He made his “threat” after the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez thrashed the proposed P650-million total of confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) headed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte for 2024.
Inday Sara — as the Vice President is fondly called by his family, friends, and supporters — eventually dropped her request for the P650 million CIF following a public uproar.
“No more politics for me. I’m retired. Retired na talaga ako. I’m tired. Ayoko na ng pulitika. Hindi naman ako nasusuka. I find it disgusting for me to still meddle in politics,” the former Chief Executive said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Giving a chance to the spiritual adviser of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises will extend another invitation to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) for its upcoming hearing.
Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo said on Monday (December 11) that Quiboloy could provide information regarding the operation of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), being a former ultimate beneficial owner of the company.
“Bottom line lang naman is that meron namang siyang supisyenteng kaalaman ang gusto lang naman natin is to shed light on the matter, yun lang po,” said Quimbo during the House Committee on Legislative Franchises hearing.
Quiboloy was invited to last Monday’s hearing but only sent a letter to the committee.
“I have not been an officer of Suwara Sug Corp. for the time of the enactment of RA 11422 up to the present hence I respectfully sent my regrets for my absence in the hearing today,” Quiboloy explained in the letter.
It was learned that Suwara Sug Corp. is the legal name of SMNI.
The Marikina City lawmaker maintained that based on the documents, Quiboloy is still the ultimate beneficial owner of SMNI until April 2021.
RA 11422 was enacted into law in 2019.
Quimbo was also the administration ally who exposed that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) spent P125 million confidential funds in just 11 days in 2022.
On the other hand, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel on December 6 said Swara Sug Media Corporation, which operates SMNI, allegedly violated at least three provisions of its franchise under Republic Act 11422.
He also noted that Swara Sug neither sought approval nor informed Congress that televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who is wanted in the United States for alleged conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking, fraud, and cash smuggling, had transferred through succession his controlling interest in Swara Sug to a certain Marlon Acobo.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Perceived by many as a brave and tough guy, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has picked two female lawyers to represent him on Monday, the first day of the probe of the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office in the grave threats complaint filed against him by ACT Teachers party-List Representative France Castro.
The two female lawyers — from the law firm of former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea — claimed that their client FPRRD did not receive the subpoena and Castro’s complaint.
“Ngayon tinanggap ng dalawang counsel yung complaint-affidavit ko tsaka yung supplemental complaint-affidavit ko for today, kasama na rin yung pagsa-submit nila ng entry of appearance,” the lawmaker said.
Duterte’s counsels also did not face the media for an interview.
The ACT Teachers party-list Representative filed a supplement complaint affidavit alleging that Duterte again threatened her life on his TV program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” which aired on SMNI on November 16.
“Do not think, France na you have already—na may armor ka na dahil congresswoman ka, member ka ng Congress, na hindi ka na—na you are no longer—na hindi ka na vulnerable sa galit ng—karami namatay dyan na…pati pulis dahil sa inyo,” the feisty ex-president was quoted as saying.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Five years away from the 2028 presidential race, like dominoes the PDP-Laban faction of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is slowly falling down with three more of its congressmen joining the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
The PDP-Laban-Duterte wing is expected to throw its full support to FPRRD’s eldest daughter Vice President Sara Duterte should she renege on her promise not to run in the 2028 presidential contest just like the playbook of her “old man.”
Maharlika NuMedia gathered that with the entry of Masbate Representatives Richard Kho, Olga Kho, and Wilton Kho the total membership of Lakas-CMD in the House of Representatives has now reached 89.
On Tuesday, November 28, Romualdez administered the oath to the three Masbate solons representing the province’s first, second, and third districts in a ceremony at the House of Representatives.
“We are elated to welcome our colleagues and local officials, who, we believe, share our deep commitment to help our beloved President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., further grow our economy, create more income and job opportunities, and make food products accessible and affordable. In sum, to make life generally better for our people,” Romualdez declared.
The Speaker, also PBBM’s first-degree cousin, expressed hope that “our new members will have a memorable and fruitful engagement with us, and we look forward to exchanging views and experiences with them.”
The three Masbate lawmakers were former members of PDP-Laban.
Last Friday, Nov. 24, prominent Davaoeño officials like Davao Oriental 2nd District Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario, Davao Oriental Vice Governor Nelson Dayanghirang Jr., and provincial board members Andy Monday, Benjie Bulaong, Rochie Ravelo, Daud Linsag, and Harold Montes also parted ways with PDP-Laban and joined Lakas.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — With the filing of resolutions at the House of Representatives calling for the government to cooperate with the International Criminal Courts’s investigation on the “bloody drug war” during the previous Rodrigo Roa Duterte administration that human rights groups claim to have killed 30,000 people, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday said the Philippines was studying a possible return to the ICC.
It can be recalled that on 21 July 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that the government remains obliged to cooperate in criminal proceedings of the International Criminal Court even if it has withdrawn from the Rome Statute – the treaty that formed the ICC.
“Should we return under the fold of the ICC? So that is again under study. So we’ll just keep looking at it and see what our options are,” the President told reporters.
He added that the resolutions at the House of Representatives were “not unusual.”
The lower chamber is under the leadership of his cousin Speaker Ferdinand Martin G Romualdez who was recently “snubbed” by Vice President Sara Duterte who claimed she did not notice the Speaker when she met the Philippine delegation at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
Speaker Romualdez stands around six feet tall and is hard not to notice his commanding presence.
“They (lawmakers) are just expressing or manifesting the sense of the House that perhaps it is time to allow or to cooperate with the ICC investigations,” Marcos said.
On Tuesday, November 20, pro-administration National Unity Party (NUP) Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. filed a resolution urging the Marcos Jr. administration to coordinate with the ICC probe.
Last October, a similar resolution was filed by Makabayan bloc lawmakers France Castro of the ACT Teachers Party-list, Arlene Brosas of the Gabriela Party-list, and Raoul Manuel of the Kabataan Party-list.
The Philippines under the Duterte administration pulled out of the ICC in 2019, some three years before the drug war inquiry was resumed.
“If you are talking about the jurisdiction of the ICC, especially since we have withdrawn from the Rome Statute a few years back, that brings into question whether or not this is actually possible,” Marcos Jr. said.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — With the widening rift between the camps of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, opposition Liberal Party (LP) president and Albay Representative Edcel Lagman has expressed hope that eventually the President will allow the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the “bloody” war on drugs of the previous administration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Conflicting reports said government data shows that at least 6,252 people were killed in police anti-drug operations from July 1, 2016, to May 31, 2022 while human rights groups estimate to be between 27,000 and 30,000.
“Palagay ko naman ang ating Pangulo ay titignan yung sentiment ng Kongreso, ng House of Representatives at sa mundo naman wala namang na-close, pwede ma-open. Yung mga Executive agencies ay pwedeng magpalit ng isip kung talagang nakikita nila na tama talaga na mag-cooperate ang ating bansa sa imbestigasyon ng ICC,” Lagman told reporters on Wednesday, November 22.
In July 17, 2023 report of the Vera Files, aside from FPRRD, Vice President Sara Duterte and Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa were named in documents submitted to the ICC.
On Tuesday, November 21, the Albay solon filed the third resolution at the House of Representatives urging relevant agencies to work with the ICC Prosecutor on the probe.
Noticeably, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has softened his stance on the ICC when way back in July he said the international body “is not welcome here and has no business to be in the country.”
“[It] needs a serious study on our part, at the DOJ, considering we are no longer members,” Remulla declared.
With this development, Lagman expressed his belief that there has been a shift in the perspective of the majority bloc in the House.
“Kami naman e talagang matagal na naming hinihiling yun na mag-cooperate na. Palagay ko may mga pagpapalit sa mga pananaw ng majority na talagang kailangan na sundin natin ang rule of law at yung world order, kailangan mag-cooperate fully ang ating bansa sa imbestigasyon ng prosecutors ng ICC. Uulitin ko, we shouldn’t be a renegade in the international order,” he said.
Some political observers told Maharlika NuMedia that the entry of ICC early next year is possible with the obvious cracks in the UniTeam.
On Monday evening, November 20, VP Duterte was caught in video “snubbing” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez who arrived at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City with the Philippine delegation of the President from the US.
(ai/mnm)