Cayetano: Duterte should have faced trial in the PH

SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano argued today that former President Rodrigo Duterte should have been tried in the Philippines, rather than by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Testifying during a Senate hearing on the ICC’s involvement in Duterte’s arrest, Cayetano emphasized the Philippines’ capacity to handle such cases within its own justice system.

Cayetano acknowledged differences between the Philippine legal system and those of other nations, but highlighted the country’s strengths, including its vibrant democracy, stable economy, and peaceful transitions of power. He stated, “So, yes, we have political challenges, but what country doesn’t? We are not at war. We have disputes with China, but we are working on them.”

The Senator stressed his belief that Duterte should have been tried domestically. He argued that subjecting a former president to an international trial has a significantly different impact, both domestically and internationally.

Cayetano emphasized that Duterte remains a powerful symbol in the Philippines, and that the ICC’s actions have implications far beyond the legal proceedings themselves. He suggested that a domestic trial would have been more appropriate and less disruptive to the national political landscape.

The Senate hearing continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Duterte’s arrest and the roles played by the ICC and other international and domestic actors. Cayetano’s testimony offers a distinct perspective on the handling of the case and its broader implications for the Philippines.