Senator Hontiveros Labels ICC Hearing on Duterte Case as Historic
Senator Risa Hontiveros has acknowledged that the confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former President Rodrigo Duterte presents a significant challenge and a painful process for the Senate as an institution. This follows the formal identification of Senators Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Christopher "Bong" Go as co-perpetrators in the ICC investigation.
A Difficult Yet Unavoidable Situation
According to Hontiveros, the Senate has no choice but to confront this situation head-on. She stated, "As I said before, this process is difficult and painful for the Senate as an institution. We need to face it because it is a fact that was stated until yesterday. So we have no escape but to confront it fully and correctly," the senator admitted. She emphasized that the Senate must address the matter with integrity and transparency, despite the emotional and political complexities involved.
Historic Timing Coincides with EDSA Anniversary
Meanwhile, the lawmaker described the day of the ICC hearing as historic, as it coincided with the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. Hontiveros added, "It's like a new chapter, a new face of the continuous expression of the people's power." She highlighted how this event symbolizes an ongoing struggle for justice and accountability, resonating with the spirit of the EDSA uprising that championed democratic values and human rights.
The hearing marks a pivotal moment in the international scrutiny of the drug war initiated under Duterte's administration, with implications for Philippine politics and global human rights standards. Hontiveros' comments underscore the Senate's role in navigating these legal and ethical challenges while upholding public trust.
