Senate Opens Investigation Into Duterte’s Arrest

The Senate foreign relations committee launched a probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest over an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Senator Imee Marcos, sister of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., led the hearing as committee chair.

Key officials invited to the hearing include Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, and PNP Chief Rommel Marbil, among others.

The Senate’s agenda for the hearing includes clarifying the involvement and roles of the ICC, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and various government agencies in Duterte’s arrest. 

It also seeks to confirm whether measures were taken to ensure that Duterte’s rights under domestic laws and relevant treaties were properly protected throughout the process. 

The hearing also covers other matters that may assist it in crafting necessary legislation on the coordination between Philippine authorities and international tribunals and law enforcement organizations.

Senator Marcos, who is seeking reelection in the midterm elections, was among those who condemned former President Duterte’s arrest. 

During the hearing, she stated that the Philippine government surrendered former President Rodrigo Duterte to the (ICC) to face charges of crimes against humanity.

Senator Marcos presented a series of video clips documenting the events—from the moment the arrest warrant was served upon his return from Hong Kong to his transfer to the Netherlands.

Marcos emphasized that if any wrongdoing in Duterte’s arrest is proven, safeguards will be put in place to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

Duterte was arrested on March 11 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon returning from Hong Kong. Later that day, he was transported to The Hague to stand trial at the ICC for crimes against humanity related to his controversial drug war.