OPINION
By Mike Defensor
Questions That The ICC Must Answer
Photograb from Mike Defensor
It is only proper to closely examine the questions surrounding the action taken by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The ICC launched its action in 2023, or five years after the Philippines had already formally withdrawn from the Rome Statute. This simple fact alone already raises serious issues about jurisdiction, sovereignty, and the real purpose of the investigation.
The questions became heavier after sworn statements from several former military personnel who served as security escorts came out. According to their affidavit, the supposed witnesses were not independently identified but allegedly passed through political intermediaries, including former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. It was also suggested that interviews were pre-arranged and that narratives appeared to have been coordinated even before they were made public.
More questions arise from the allegation that interviews of supposed witnesses were conducted not in neutral or institutional venues but in private locations such as Midas Hotel and condominium units in Raffles Makati reportedly linked to former Congressman Zaldy Co, who was then considered politically close to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. If the goal was a fair and transparent investigation, why were sensitive activities conducted in private places? From the preparation of witnesses to the building of the case and the issuance of a warrant, the pattern creates suspicion that this was not simply a legal process but a coordinated political operation.
These are not mere speculations but sworn claims that require clear answers. Justice must not be used as a weapon. Sovereignty cannot be ignored. Due process must not be bypassed. The Filipino people deserve the full truth.
Related to this, Vice President Sara Duterte also released a statement expressing admiration for the courage of the former security personnel who spoke based on their personal knowledge.
“What they did is not ordinary because their lives could be at risk in revealing the truth,” VP Sara said.
She also revealed that information had long existed regarding the alleged coordination of some Philippine officials with ICC investigators operating in the country.
According to her, she wrote to the President so the administration’s position could be officially placed on record, and the reported response was, “We will not cooperate in any way, shape, or form,” which she said was recognition that the ICC’s actions were viewed as an affront to Philippine sovereignty.
VP Sara further stressed that the issue is not a simple political matter but one involving national dignity.
“Sovereignty is not a principle to be invoked when convenient and abandoned when expedient,” she emphasized.
She added that when respect for sovereignty weakens, it does not affect only one leader but also the trust of the people in the very institutions meant to protect the country.
The questions became heavier after sworn statements from several former military personnel who served as security escorts came out. According to their affidavit, the supposed witnesses were not independently identified but allegedly passed through political intermediaries, including former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. It was also suggested that interviews were pre-arranged and that narratives appeared to have been coordinated even before they were made public.
More questions arise from the allegation that interviews of supposed witnesses were conducted not in neutral or institutional venues but in private locations such as Midas Hotel and condominium units in Raffles Makati reportedly linked to former Congressman Zaldy Co, who was then considered politically close to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. If the goal was a fair and transparent investigation, why were sensitive activities conducted in private places? From the preparation of witnesses to the building of the case and the issuance of a warrant, the pattern creates suspicion that this was not simply a legal process but a coordinated political operation.
These are not mere speculations but sworn claims that require clear answers. Justice must not be used as a weapon. Sovereignty cannot be ignored. Due process must not be bypassed. The Filipino people deserve the full truth.
Related to this, Vice President Sara Duterte also released a statement expressing admiration for the courage of the former security personnel who spoke based on their personal knowledge.
“What they did is not ordinary because their lives could be at risk in revealing the truth,” VP Sara said.
She also revealed that information had long existed regarding the alleged coordination of some Philippine officials with ICC investigators operating in the country.
According to her, she wrote to the President so the administration’s position could be officially placed on record, and the reported response was, “We will not cooperate in any way, shape, or form,” which she said was recognition that the ICC’s actions were viewed as an affront to Philippine sovereignty.
VP Sara further stressed that the issue is not a simple political matter but one involving national dignity.
“Sovereignty is not a principle to be invoked when convenient and abandoned when expedient,” she emphasized.
She added that when respect for sovereignty weakens, it does not affect only one leader but also the trust of the people in the very institutions meant to protect the country.
Mar 1, 2026
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