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Palace urges Imee Marcos to consider government stance, says findings influenced by Duterte camp.
Malacañang dismissed Senator Imee Marcos' claims of legal violations in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the ICC, attributing her stance to Duterte supporters. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro urged Imee to consider legal experts' perspectives, reaffirming the arrest’s legality. Imee also alleged that the government preplanned Duterte’s arrest and violated his rights. Meanwhile, her departure from President Marcos’ senatorial slate and a decline in survey rankings followed Duterte’s arrest. The Supreme Court is now reviewing petitions challenging the arrest’s legality.
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang dismissed Senator Imee Marcos’ findings regarding the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC), suggesting that her conclusions were influenced by Duterte supporters.
During a March 20 Senate inquiry, Imee claimed there were significant legal violations in Duterte’s arrest. However, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro downplayed her claims, stating that her perspective was shaped by those she engaged with.
“If she only speaks with Duterte supporters, that will naturally shape her opinion,” Castro said.
She urged Imee to consider insights from legal experts such as former Justice Antonio Carpio and ICC-accredited lawyer Joel Butuyan, implying that her stance might change with broader input.
Legal Perspective & Government Response
Castro reiterated that legal experts—including Senator Bato Dela Rosa, who may also face an ICC arrest warrant—have affirmed the legality of Duterte’s arrest under Republic Act 9851, which penalizes crimes against humanity.
Imee’s departure from her brother President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s senatorial slate shortly after Duterte’s arrest has fueled speculation about internal political divisions. She accused the Marcos administration of withholding key details about the arrest under executive privilege.
A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey following Duterte’s arrest showed a decline in Imee’s ranking, placing her below the Magic 12 for the upcoming elections.
Key Allegations by Imee Marcos:
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Interpol Notice Dispute – Imee argued that Duterte was arrested based on an Interpol red diffusion notice, not a red notice, implying the Philippines was not obligated to surrender him. However, Interpol clarified that the two notices differ only in transmission method.
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Preplanned Arrest – She alleged that the Marcos administration had planned Duterte’s arrest before March 11 and actively assisted the ICC in his transfer. President Marcos defended this decision, citing Interpol’s role in helping the country locate high-profile fugitives like Alice Guo and Arnie Teves.
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Violation of Rights – Imee claimed constitutional safeguards were ignored, particularly Duterte’s right to counsel, and that Sara Duterte was barred from seeing him before the transfer.
The legality of Duterte’s arrest is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court through petitions filed by members of his family.
Source:https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/27/2431519/palace-urges-imee-marcos-examine-govt-side-says-findings-tinted-duterte-camp
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