President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains thankful for former president Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to allow the burial of his father at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, but Malacañang clarified Thursday that this should not be taken as a reason to disregard allegations of extrajudicial killings (EJKs).
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement after Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte accused the administration of choosing “political vengeance over gratitude” following the former president’s arrest.
Castro said Marcos recognized Duterte’s role in facilitating the interment of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
“Si Pangulong Marcos Jr. ay nagpapasalamat sa ginawa ni dating Pangulong Duterte patungkol po rito,” she noted.
However, she emphasized that gratitude should not lead to ignoring serious accusations.
“Pero ang pagtanaw ng utang na loob ay hindi naman po kinakailangang i-tolerate at tulugan ang anumang akusasyon ng kriminalidad at takpan ang mata sa maaaring nadulot ng karumal-dumal na patayan ng EJK,” Castro said.
She pointed out that Marcos Sr.’s burial was carried out in accordance with existing law and later upheld by the Supreme Court.
Responding to Vice President Sara Duterte, who claimed Filipinos remain angry over her father’s arrest, Castro said it cannot be presumed that the entire population shares the same view.
She explained that Duterte’s arrest is part of a legal process that could deliver justice both for alleged victims of EJKs and for the former president himself.
Castro added that many of the complaints were filed by Filipinos who turned to the International Criminal Court (ICC), believing they had not received justice during Duterte’s administration.
“Sa parte po ng mga tao na nagsusulong ng human rights at lumalaban sa mga karumal-dumal na pagpatay na bunga ng EJK at war on drugs ni dating Pangulong Duterte, hindi naman sila galit at sila ay nagpupunyagi,” she said.
On March 12, 2025, Duterte was surrendered by Philippine authorities to the custody of the ICC following an arrest warrant issued for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign.