DOJ says to continue working on drug war cases after Duterte's arrest | ABS-CBN
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DOJ says to continue working on drug war cases after Duterte's arrest
DOJ says to continue working on drug war cases after Duterte's arrest
Families of drug war victims expressed relief and hope for justice following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte during a press conference at the UCCP Chapel in Quezon City on March 12, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File
Families of drug war victims expressed relief and hope for justice following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte during a press conference at the UCCP Chapel in Quezon City on March 12, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File MANILA — The Department of Justice on Thursday vowed to continue working on cases related to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, after the International Criminal Court took him into custody in The Hague, Netherlands.
MANILA — The Department of Justice on Thursday vowed to continue working on cases related to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, after the International Criminal Court took him into custody in The Hague, Netherlands.
"Gumugulong ang wheels of justice, so to speak. Kaso nga lang, I think it's really a matter of timing dahil sa ngayon kino-collate pa natin lahat ng ebidensya doon sa drug war ni dating pangulong Duterte at marami na pong lumalapit na witnesses sa atin," DOJ spokesperson and assistant secretary Mico Clavano said.
"Gumugulong ang wheels of justice, so to speak. Kaso nga lang, I think it's really a matter of timing dahil sa ngayon kino-collate pa natin lahat ng ebidensya doon sa drug war ni dating pangulong Duterte at marami na pong lumalapit na witnesses sa atin," DOJ spokesperson and assistant secretary Mico Clavano said.
"Kaso nga lang, mas nauna po ang kaso na inihain sa ICC kaya nauna rin po ang kanilang warrant of arrest," he said in a television interview
"Kaso nga lang, mas nauna po ang kaso na inihain sa ICC kaya nauna rin po ang kanilang warrant of arrest," he said in a television interview
The justice official also refuted claims that Duterte's turnover to the ICC violated the country's sovereignty and that local courts were no longer functioning.
The justice official also refuted claims that Duterte's turnover to the ICC violated the country's sovereignty and that local courts were no longer functioning.
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"This should not be an admission that we do not have a working justice system. In fact, napalakas pa po natin ang justice system dahil sa napakaraming reporma ng Department or Justice, ng DILG under sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos," Clavano said.
"This should not be an admission that we do not have a working justice system. In fact, napalakas pa po natin ang justice system dahil sa napakaraming reporma ng Department or Justice, ng DILG under sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos," Clavano said.
"Maraming nagsasabi din na 'are we not giving up a part of our sovereignty? Hindi ba natin isinusuko 'yung sovereignty natin? Sa tingin ho natin sa gobyerno, ito mismo ay act of sovereignty to cooperate with the international community," he continued.
"Maraming nagsasabi din na 'are we not giving up a part of our sovereignty? Hindi ba natin isinusuko 'yung sovereignty natin? Sa tingin ho natin sa gobyerno, ito mismo ay act of sovereignty to cooperate with the international community," he continued.
Clavano said the justice department would continue investigating the supposed police abuses during Duterte's term and vowed to bring to justice those who would be proven guilty.
Clavano said the justice department would continue investigating the supposed police abuses during Duterte's term and vowed to bring to justice those who would be proven guilty.
"Hindi naman tayo magbe-break dahil po may nahuli na sa ICC. Hindi po totoo 'yun. We will continue to work, we will continue to work and gather evidence, and we will make sure that those who are charged with these crimes will be given their day in court, due process. If ever may mapatunayan na may pagkakamali ang ating law enforcement ay pananagutin namin 'yan," he said.
"Hindi naman tayo magbe-break dahil po may nahuli na sa ICC. Hindi po totoo 'yun. We will continue to work, we will continue to work and gather evidence, and we will make sure that those who are charged with these crimes will be given their day in court, due process. If ever may mapatunayan na may pagkakamali ang ating law enforcement ay pananagutin namin 'yan," he said.
The DOJ official reiterated that Duterte's arrest was legal and that due process was observed.
The DOJ official reiterated that Duterte's arrest was legal and that due process was observed.
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He also debunked claims that the former chief executive was denied medical care and access to lawyers.
He also debunked claims that the former chief executive was denied medical care and access to lawyers.
"Nakita naman ho natin sa mga videos nagkaroon ng konting argument between law enforcement and the lawyers and 'yun po naman talaga yung purpose nun, para i-protect talaga at bigyang due process ang subject ng warrant of arrest. So hindi siya hubad sa legal remedies niya," Clavano said.
"Nakita naman ho natin sa mga videos nagkaroon ng konting argument between law enforcement and the lawyers and 'yun po naman talaga yung purpose nun, para i-protect talaga at bigyang due process ang subject ng warrant of arrest. So hindi siya hubad sa legal remedies niya," Clavano said.
"Kailangan nating ibalanse du'n din sa public order and safety," he added.
"Kailangan nating ibalanse du'n din sa public order and safety," he added.
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