Snubbed by Cabinet officials, Senate probe on Duterte’s arrest to continue

National

DESPITE the non-appearance of some Cabinet officials, a Senate panel is determined to dig deeper into its investigation on the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

With the investigation spearheaded by the Sen. Imee Marcos-chaired Foreign Relations Committee pushing through, the standoff between the Senate and the Malacañang is expected to escalate.

But how long can Malacañang hold the line? This question looms as the Senate sets a third hearing on April 8 to continue its investigation into the arrest and turnover of Duterte to The Hague.

Marcos confirmed the holding of a third hearing following the April 3 session that saw key government figures, including Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and senior officials from the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces, not showing up.

According to Marcos, both Remulla and Año initially confirmed their attendance but later withdrew.

The non-appearance prompted Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to move for the issuance of subpoenas. Marcos supported the motion, warning that those who defy the summons could face contempt charges.

“These officials must be present to help the committee understand the legality of what transpired,” she said in a Philippine Star report.

However, the subpoenas require the approval of Senate President Francis Escudero before they can be issued.

Escudero said the Senate legal office is reviewing the request to ensure that it does not provoke a constitutional crisis.

While Escudero acknowledged that executive privilege is a recognized doctrine under Philippine jurisprudence, he clarified that the sub judice rule, which prohibits public discussion of ongoing judicial proceedings, cannot be used as grounds to avoid legislative inquiry.

Despite increasing pressure, Malacañang maintained that executive officials are under no obligation to appear if their testimony would fall under the protection of executive privilege.

“It is not within our power to block the subpoena of the Senate but we will continue to insist on the executive privilege if the questions are covered by executive privilege,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said in an interview with Teleradyo.

Castro noted that the Senate already has access to key documents, including medical records of drug war victims and files from the International Criminal Court.

She emphasized the inquiry is legislative in nature and not meant to target the administration.

“Let us cross the bridge when we get there,” she said, when asked about the possibility of defying Senate subpoenas.(MyTVCebu)