Senator Imee Marcos filed Senate Bill No. 557 on Tuesday, July 16, titled the “President Rodrigo R. Duterte Act,” which seeks to penalize Philippine government officials who cooperate with international agencies not formally recognized or affiliated with the Republic of the Philippines—including the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The bill is named after former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the ICC detention facility over charges related to alleged crimes against humanity.
According to Senator Marcos, the legislation aims to prevent future instances where Filipino officials or citizens are allegedly surrendered to foreign bodies without a warrant issued by any Philippine court.
“Hindi na dapat maulit itong nangyari kay (ex-President Duterte) na kinidnap sya at dinala sa ibang bansa,” Senator Marcos said.
Meanwhile, Akbayan Party-list Representative and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno asserted during a press conference at the Batasang Pambansa that the ICC offers a fair and impartial process.
“We can be assured of a fair trial if it’s done by the ICC,” Rep. Diokno said.