Senator Bam Aquino has called for cases linked to alleged extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs to be tried in local courts rather than before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
His statement followed the ICC prosecutor’s move naming Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa among alleged co-perpetrators in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The trials for these cases should ideally be held here in the Philippines because this is where the victims are,” Aquino said in a television interview, stressing that justice would carry greater weight if pursued domestically.
Aquino noted that while he respects the ICC process in The Hague, he believes formal court actions in the Philippines must come first.
He added that senators are expected to discuss the matter in caucus, but emphasized that judicial proceedings should precede any conclusions.
The ICC has scheduled confirmation of charges in Duterte’s case to begin on February 23, with hearings continuing on February 24, 26, and 27.