MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s gratitude for the burial of his father at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LMB) does not mean the government will ignore the extrajudicial killing (EJK) cases filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement in response to remarks from Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, who suggested that the administration had “betrayed” his father. The younger Duterte referenced the elder Duterte’s decision to allow the burial of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the heroes’ cemetery in 2016 as a significant favor that should have garnered more political loyalty.
- Justice Over Debt of Gratitude: Castro emphasized that while the President is grateful for the burial—a move supported by the Supreme Court—it does not grant immunity from accusations of criminality. “Showing gratitude or a sense of obligation does not require tolerating or ignoring any accusations of criminality,” Castro said in Filipino.
- ICC and EJK Complainants: The Palace maintained that the government cannot turn a blind eye to the families and victims who brought their complaints to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Castro noted that many complainants sought international intervention because they felt justice was unattainable locally during the Duterte administration.
- Compliance with International Law: Addressing Vice President Sara Duterte’s criticism of her father’s arrest, the Palace reiterated that the government merely complied with Interpol procedures. Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, and is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands.
President Marcos has consistently dismissed claims that the arrest was politically motivated, characterizing it as a matter of legal compliance.