Manila: Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile emphasized the importance of due process, asserting that all individuals, including drug suspects, are entitled to legal protections.

According to Philippines News Agency, Enrile made these remarks on Facebook following former president Rodrigo Duterte's initial appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday. He questioned whether victims of 'Oplan Tokhang' were afforded their legal rights, citing the Bill of Rights' provisions on due process and presumption of innocence.

Enrile posed a critical question: 'Were they presumed innocent before they were summarily killed or killed with impunity?' This referred to a campaign involving police officers knocking on the doors of suspected drug users and urging them to surrender. The initiative faced widespread criticism for alleged human rights violations.

Enrile stressed that no one should take the law into their own hands, especially those in authority. The ICC has set Duterte's next hearing on Sept. 23 to determine if charges for crimes against humanity will proceed to trial.

Meanwhile, ICC assistant counsel Ma. Kristina Conti noted that Duterte could request interim release while awaiting proceedings. 'He can seek legal remedies, including interim release or temporary freedom,' Conti said in a news forum in Quezon City, adding that strict court guidelines ensure that accused individuals face their cases.