Imee on ex-President Duterte's arrest: Kawawa naman

Senator Imee Marcos on Tuesday expressed pity for former President Rodrigo Duterte following his arrest based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs.

"Medyo nabigla ako sa pangyayari na inaresto si Presidente Duterte at hindi ako makapaniwala eh. Medyo nayanig ako masyado. Kawawa naman, kawawa naman si Presidente Duterte," Senator Marcos said in a press conference.

(I was taken aback by President Duterte's arrest. I could not believe it. I was shaken. I felt pity for him.)

Government records indicate that around 6,000 individuals were killed in anti-drug police operations during Duterte's presidency, while human rights groups estimate the toll could be as high as 30,000. The ICC complaint against Duterte and other officials stems from these killings.

Senator Marcos argued that the case and arrest were more about politics than justice and warned it could spark further chaos.

"Hindi na tayo natuto. Gulo lang ang dulot nito. Walang pakinabang ang naghihirap sa bangayang pulitika. Parang naging siklo na. Gumanda ba ang buhay natin dahil sa pamumulitika?" she asked.

(We haven't learned a thing. This will just result in chaos. The poor do not benefit from politicking. This is a cycle. Did our lives improve because of it?)

"Umasenso ba ang ating bansa? Sa lahat mga nakakahiyang yugto sa ating pulitika, gantihan ng gantihan, awayan ng awayan. Yumaman ba, nabusog ba? Sumaya ba ang taong bayan? Yun na lamang ang tanong ko," she added.

(Did our nation progress? In all our shameful political episodes, it’s always revenge and conflict. Did it make our people rich? Healthy? Happy? Those are my questions.)

Senator Marcos recalled feeling similar pity for her father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who was ousted by the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986.

"Naawa ako sa tatay ko noong 1986. Naawa din ako sa mga sunod-sunod na Pangulo, kay Erap (Joseph Estrada), kay GMA (Gloria Macapagal Arroyo)," she said.

(I pitied my father in 1986, and the succeeding presidents.)

"Ang akin lang, emotionally, talagang awang-awa ako, sobra. Kasi matanda na di ba? Parang sa tatay ko, anong nangyari? Ganon rin, nakakaawa rin," she added.

(I really pitied him because he is already old. It reminded me of my father. He was in a pitiful state too.)

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said Duterte was capable of defending himself.

"Like any Filipino citizen, former President Duterte is entitled to legal recourse, and as a lawyer, he knows the proper steps to take. I trust that his rights will be respected and protected. Matibay at gumagana ang ating justice system kaya’t naniniwala ako na matitiyak na dadaan sa tamang proseso ang lahat at alinsunod ito sa mga umiiral na batas," Estrada said.

(Our justice system is strong and functioning, so I believe that everything will go through the proper process in accordance with existing laws.)

"Maintaining our nation’s unity and stability is crucial as we navigate this challenging chapter in history," Estrada added.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros emphasized that Duterte must submit to the rule of law.

"Dumating na ang araw na hinihintay ng mga pamilya ng libo-libong Pilipino na napatay sa madugong 'tokhang' ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Sana, bilang abugado, siya ay sumunod sa mga proseso nito," Hontiveros said.

(The time of reckoning has arrived. As a lawyer, Duterte should follow the law.)

"I also hope that Malacañang will honor its word and accede to all requests of the ICC, through the Interpol, and ensure that justice will run its full course," Hontiveros added.

However, Hontiveros stressed that justice must go beyond Duterte.

"The thousands of Filipinos killed during tokhang were not murdered by one man alone. I hope that this is just a start of the relentless pursuit of justice and accountability, especially among government officials who perpetrated the helpless deaths of the innocent," she added.

Senator Robin Padilla, meanwhile, appealed to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to reconsider cooperating with the ICC.

"Mr. President, once upon a time, when there was no one else to stand by you, my group supported and protected you in our own humble way. We consider ourselves your friends and loyal supporters," Padilla said.

"My earnest plea, Mr. President, is for you to exercise your executive power to halt the operations of the Philippine National Police in following directives from a foreign entity that undermines our laws and violates our sovereignty. The fate of our beloved country now rests in your hands, Mr. President," Padilla added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News