Bam Aquino: EJK cases should be tried in PH courts

Senator Bam Aquino on Tuesday said cases against individuals implicated in alleged extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration’s drug war should be tried in Philippine courts rather than before an international tribunal.

Aquino made the statement after the International Criminal Court Office of the Prosecutor identified Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as among the alleged co-perpetrators in the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Speaking in an interview on Unang Balita, Aquino said the Philippines must confront the killings that occurred and pursue justice locally, noting that the victims and their families are in the country.

“The trials for these cases should ideally be held here in the Philippines because this is where the victims are,” Aquino said, adding that seeking justice where the alleged crimes happened would be more meaningful.

Despite this, Aquino said he respects the ongoing process at the ICC, which is based in The Hague.

He added that senators are expected to discuss the matter involving Go and dela Rosa in a caucus, but emphasized the need to wait for the court’s formal actions before drawing conclusions.

The confirmation of charges in Duterte’s case is scheduled to begin on February 23, with subsequent hearings set for February 24, 26, and 27.—MCG, GMA Integrated News