MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc are calling on the Senate to provide the International Criminal Court (ICC) with records related to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks about the war on drugs. They highlight Duterte’s suggestion that police should encourage suspects to resist arrest, allowing for justifications for violent actions taken against them.
House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas criticized the previous administration’s drug policy, pointing out the implications of Duterte’s comments. She described them as inciting violence and contributing to unlawful killings in the drug war. Brosas asserted that such statements warrant a thorough investigation and accountability for those involved.
The Makabayan bloc consists of various party-list representatives, who argue that the ICC should examine these records as part of its ongoing investigation into possible crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. They believe that revealing these documents will shed light on the government’s actions during that period and ensure justice for victims.
Duterte’s administration faced widespread condemnation for its aggressive approach to drug-related crimes. Numerous human rights organizations have reported thousands of deaths, raising concerns about extrajudicial killings. Critics have maintained that the president’s rhetoric encouraged law enforcement to act without due process.
In light of these allegations, the Makabayan bloc emphasized the need for transparency and accountability from the Senate. They argue that the records from the Senate could provide crucial insights into the actions taken under Duterte’s leadership and the implications of official statements made during the anti-drug campaign.