MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte that his arrest was purely a legal matter, not a political move.
Speaking at a late-night press conference on Tuesday, Marcos stated, “The government is just doing its job… It’s not about one person or another.”
He emphasized that due process was followed, adding that the Philippines must uphold its commitments to the international community.
Arrest Not Politically Motivated, Says Marcos
Addressing concerns of political persecution, Marcos reiterated that the case against Duterte began in 2017, long before he assumed office.
“Politics doesn’t enter into it. He’s not running for anything, so why go after him? This case started while I was still a civilian,” he said.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for Duterte’s crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs. Marcos clarified that the arrest was based on legal proceedings that unfolded over the years, not personal or political motivations.
Duterte En Route to The Hague
Authorities served Duterte’s ICC warrant upon his arrival in Manila from Hong Kong. The former president has since been transported to The Hague, Netherlands, where he will face trial.
Duterte, a lawyer, previously stated that he would face the charges head-on and had no intention of fleeing.