Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday reiterated its steadfast commitment to absolute rule of law and due process as the nation navigates upcoming legal proceedings involving several high-profile political figures. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro maintained that the executive branch will strictly avoid interfering with the Senate impeachment trial of the Vice President Sara Duterte scheduled to begin on July 6 and international warrants of arrest.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized that neither Malaca±ang, the Palace, nor the President will give any prejudgment, stating that the evidence must be fully disclosed once the impeachment trial begins. She underscored that the people, along with the senator-judges, will judge the contents of the evidence and decide if the vice president should be held accountable for the accusations against her.
When asked about the administration's stance on a potential wider investigation should the Senate trial uncover new evidence implicating other government officials, Castro affirmed that the President will not tolerate state corruption, regardless of political alliances. She expressed hope that anti-corruption campaigns would continue even beyond the President's term to ensure accountability.
The Palace also addressed reports from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) indicating that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is expected to issue additional warrants of arrest soon regarding the brutal war on drugs under the previous administration. While acknowledging the possibility of more warrants due to the involvement of many co-perpetrators, Castro stated that no specific information on incoming warrants has been provided.
Castro declined to give a definitive answer regarding how the executive branch would handle a scenario where a sitting lawmaker, such as Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, faces an imminent warrant, and whether federal agents would defer if the Senate grants protective custody, as it did earlier this month for Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa. She assured that law enforcement would comply with the Department of Justice's mandates, ensuring that future arrest operations within legislative premises remain orderly.
Regarding the ICC's arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, Castro concluded that the senator has been named a co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity. She stated that sending him to the ICC is to ensure justice is served for both the accused and the alleged victims.
