Senate to Convene on ICC's Naming of Go, Dela Rosa in Duterte Drug War Probe
The Philippine Senate is set to conduct a meeting to address the recent actions taken by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor. This move comes after the ICC named Senators Bong Go and Ronald Dela Rosa as co-perpetrators in the killings associated with the war-on-drugs campaign led by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Senate's Response and Upcoming Discussions
According to Senator Bam Aquino, senators will engage in preliminary discussions before awaiting any formal steps from the ICC. He emphasized that the Senate respects all legal processes being undertaken by the international court. The senator further stated that they are waiting for the ICC's formal declaration, which is scheduled for February 23, the day set for the confirmation of charges.
This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing investigation into the drug war, which has drawn international scrutiny due to allegations of human rights violations. The Senate's meeting aims to assess the implications of the ICC's findings and determine the appropriate legislative response.
Background on the ICC Investigation
The ICC has been investigating the drug war under Duterte's administration, which reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths. The naming of Senators Go and Dela Rosa as co-perpetrators adds a new layer to the probe, potentially implicating high-profile political figures. Both senators have previously been associated with Duterte's policies, with Dela Rosa having served as the Philippine National Police chief during the early stages of the campaign.
As the Senate prepares for its meeting, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating how this could impact domestic politics and international relations. The outcome of the ICC's confirmation of charges on February 23 will likely influence the Senate's subsequent actions and discussions.
