Nations warned vs hosting Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — The 1Sambayan coalition warned nations considering hosting former president Rodrigo Duterte – should his interim release be granted – that accepting him would be a “betrayal” of justice and accountability and damage their reputation on the world stage.

The coalition decried Duterte’s move for an interim release, saying this is a “profound insult” to victims of human rights violations and a “blatant attempt to subvert justice.”

Duterte, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity, is seeking interim release to an undisclosed country.

“Granting refuge to a figure accused of such grave crimes would not only undermine the integrity of the ICC (International Criminal Court) process, but would also send a dangerous message to other potential perpetrators of human rights abuses worldwide: that impunity is attainable,” 1Sambayan said.

“Such a move would be a betrayal of the international commitment to justice and accountability, and would severely damage the reputation of the host country on the world stage. The international community must stand firm against this blatant attempt to subvert justice,” the group added.

The coalition said Duterte’s alleged crimes against humanity, stemming from his campaign against illegal drugs, are supported by documented evidence of systematic violence, extrajudicial killings and suppression of dissent.

These are not mere political accusations, they said, but part of a case that deserves full and unhindered prosecution.

According to 1Sambayan, releasing Duterte, even temporarily, could pose a grave threat to witnesses and victims’ families who are cooperating with the ICC, saying he may use the opportunity to influence proceedings or incite retaliation.

The matter is not just legal, 1Sambayan said, but also moral, as Duterte’s accountability is non-negotiable, and urged the international community to stand in solidarity with the Filipino people.

Duterte to forgo mayoral seat?

Will former president Duterte forgo his political comeback as mayor of Davao City if granted interim release by the ICC?

His defense team appears to be signaling the possibility in his urgent request for interim release filed before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I on June 12.

In explaining why the request should be granted, Duterte’s lead defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman said the former president’s “complete abstinence from any media statements since his arrest evinces his intention to divorce himself from politics and governance.”

“Any risk is totally neutralized by virtue of Mr. Duterte’s affirmation, in the annexed terms and conditions, that he will refrain from public engagement, office, or communications with persons outside his family,” Kaufman added.

Duterte, his lawyer said, “has also agreed to abstain from use of the internet or any electronic devices, such as a mobile phone,” should his request be granted.

The STAR reached out to Kaufman for clarification, but he declined to answer questions regarding the proposed terms and conditions for Duterte’s interim release.

Despite his detention in The Hague, the former president overwhelmingly won in his bid to reclaim Davao’s mayoralty post in the midterm elections last month.

But he has yet to take his oath of office, as he is required to do so before an authorized official on Philippine soil.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said that he would seek permission from the ICC to allow a consul to administer the oath of office to the mayor-elect.

The ICC has yet to confirm receiving such a request.

Under the omnibus election code, the “office of any official elected who fails or refuses to take his oath of office within six months from his proclamation shall be considered vacant, unless said failure is for a cause or causes beyond his control.”

While it is “theoretically” possible for Duterte to take his oath while under ICC custody, law professor Antonio La Viña said in an earlier interview with “Storycon” on One News that it would be difficult for him to assume his post as it requires physical presence at city hall. — Janvic Mateo