Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero on Monday expressed support for the Senate's authority to investigate the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte but stressed that the inquiry must serve as a means for national unity, rather than deepening political divisions.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Committee on Foreign Relations, chaired by Senator Imee Marcos, has scheduled a hearing on Thursday to clarify the involvement and the roles of the International Criminal Court, International Criminal Police Organization, and other government agencies in the arrest of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte on March 11.

Marcos' committee aims to determine if measures were taken to ensure that the rights of Duterte under domestic laws and relevant treaties were properly protected throughout the process, as stated in the hearing notice.

"If Senator Imee's concern is that our divisiveness is getting worse, then I hope the result of the hearing is for us to heal and unite again, and not worsen the divisiveness," Escudero remarked during a press briefing at the Senate. He reiterated his agreement with the goal of the hearing to address and clarify some of the questions and concerns that citizens may have regarding the arrest.

Escudero emphasized that an ongoing court case should not prevent the Senate from exercising its oversight function, citing previous Supreme Court rulings that affirm Congress' authority to conduct inquiries independent of judicial proceedings. He noted that under Senate rules, committees have the power to initiate hearings motu proprio, or on their own initiative.

Marcos' committee hearing will summon key officials and agencies from the Philippine National Police, Office for Transportation Security, Department of Justice, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Security Council, and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, among others.