Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Imee Marcos questioned whether former President Rodrigo Duterte is covered by the protection of former US President Donald Trump’s executive order (EO) imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“This is just the latest in a series of statements that the ICC has no jurisdiction over our country,” Marcos said, referencing the Philippine government’s stance. She asked whether Duterte, as a former leader of a non-NATO ally, is considered a “protected person” under Trump’s EO.
She also raised concerns about individuals involved in Duterte’s arrest, including law enforcement officers and their families living in the US. “Are they covered by the executive order? What will happen to them?” Marcos asked.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa added that the owner of the aircraft used to transport Duterte to The Hague could face sanctions. “If the owner has assets in the US, they should be covered by Trump’s executive order,” he said.
However, no executive department officials attended the Senate hearing, invoking executive privilege. Senate President Francis Escudero confirmed receiving a letter from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, stating, “Executive privilege applies in these proceedings to protect sensitive information.”
Duterte was arrested on March 11 upon his arrival from Hong Kong at the ICC’s request for his role in the controversial war on drugs. The warrant alleges that he created, funded, and armed death squads responsible for extrajudicial killings. He was transported to The Hague the same day.
On March 14, Duterte appeared via video link before ICC judges. His next hearing is scheduled for September 25 to confirm the charges against him.
