Senate grills CIDG chief over Duterte’s arrest

National

THE Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, chaired by Sen. Imee Marcos, launched an inquiry into the controversial arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11.

The Senate panel scrutinized the actions of law enforcement authorities amid allegations of rights violations and procedural lapses.

During the hearing on Thursday, March 20, Marcos questioned the Philippine National Police (PNP) and key officials on whether Duterte was accorded the right to medical attention by his own doctor, as provided under PNP’s standard operating procedures.

“In the news footage, it was shown that President Duterte was checked by medical doctors. However, it was claimed that the doctor was not of his own choosing. Is it not under PNP standard procedures that an arrested person has the right to request an independent and competent doctor of their choice?” Marcos asked.

Major General Nicolas Torre III of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group confirmed that medical personnel from Cardinal Santos Medical Center were present, in addition to PNP doctors and military hospital personnel.

However, he noted that Duterte’s request for an executive check-up was not granted.

“They even asked for an ECG, which we provided, but an executive check-up was something we did not allow,” Torre said.

Secretary Jonvic Remulla of the Interior and Local Government refuted allegations that Duterte was denied medical rights.

He disclosed that the authorities sought information about Duterte’s medical history from his common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña, but she declined to provide details.

“We asked for a list of his prescribed medicines, any pre-existing conditions, and allergies, but she refused to disclose them,” Remulla said.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, while clarifying that he was neither defending Duterte nor taking a partisan stance, said he was dismayed over the manner of the arrest, recalling his own experience in 2001 when he and his father, former President Joseph Estrada, were arrested.

“When I saw the video, it was unbelievable. It was a big disappointment because I can relate. The police barged into our hospital room at dawn and ordered our immediate transfer to another detention facility,” Estrada recalled.

He then pressed Torre about a statement he allegedly made during Duterte’s arrest: ‘Hihilahin ko yan.’

Torre admitted to the remark, explaining that it was part of their operational tactics. He also clarified that he was referring to lawyer Salvador Medialdea, who was arrested for alleged obstruction of justice, and not to former president.

“Yes, sir. I said that, but I made good on it,” Torre said.

Estrada, however, argued that such language reflected poorly on the PNP’s reputation.

“That statement may give the impression that the police force lacks respect for the elderly and a former head of state,” he said.

The inquiry also delved into Duterte’s alleged lack of access to legal counsel and the refusal to allow his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, to visit him during the arrest.

Estrada contended that even detainees are entitled to 24-hour visitation from immediate family members, questioning why the Vice President was denied entry.

“Forget her title as Vice President. She is his daughter and a lawyer. When we were detained, our immediate family members were allowed to visit. But in this case, even before he was formally detained, his daughter was denied access,” Estrada said.

Torre defended the decision, stating that Duterte was already under the custody of authorities for transport.

“At that time, our priority was to comply with the warrant and transfer him. His family could visit him at his detention facility,” Torre said.

Marcos, citing Republic Act 7438, pointed out that denying access to a lawyer violated Duterte’s rights.

“RA 7438 guarantees an arrested person access to legal counsel and immediate family. Duterte asked for his daughter-lawyer, yet she was not allowed in. That is a clear violation,” Marcos said.

As the hearing progressed, Marcos also questioned the use of force and intimidation, reminding law enforcement officials that PNP protocols explicitly prohibit such methods.

“The standard operating procedures clearly state: no torture, no force, no violence, no threats or intimidation. Yet, you yourself admitted to using force,” she told Torre.

Torre justified the actions, stating that his priority was to ensure Duterte’s transfer. However, Marcos remained firm in her stance.

“Regardless of your reasons, the law is clear—force and intimidation are not allowed,” she said.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla cautioned lawmakers against delving too deeply into the legality of Duterte’s arrest, warning that it could interfere with ongoing judicial proceedings.

“I think that’s sub judice. We should be cautious about what we are discussing here. This is a habeas corpus petition, meaning all questions about the legality of the arrest should be addressed to the Supreme Court. It appears that we are stepping beyond our jurisdiction,” Remulla said.(TGP)