CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) has urged the Senate and House of Representatives to take a decisive step: submit all sworn testimonies from hearings related to the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a statement released Wednesday, October 30, the lawyers’ group also appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to support the Philippines’ return to the Rome Statute.
The Rome Statute, an international treaty, allows the ICC to prosecute individuals for crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, and aggression if national courts fail to act.
The Philippines joined the Rome Statute but withdrew under the Duterte administration amid scrutiny of his bloody drug war. Duterte argued that ICC investigations infringed on Philippine sovereignty, and that the withdrawal stopped its proceedings on alleged human rights violations in the country.
According to UPLM Chairman Antonio Azarcon, this would reaffirm the country’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensure accountability mechanisms for its present and future leaders.
“In a civilized society, there is no room for impunity,” UPLM stated, adding that full accountability “should extend beyond words to meaningful legal processes” and that no official should be exempt from scrutiny.
The lawyers’ group also sharply criticized former president Rodrigo Duterte for his behavior during a Senate blue ribbon subcommittee hearing on Monday, October 28, describing his actions and statements as “unbecoming and disrespectful.”
According to UPLM, Duterte’s conduct reflected a troubling disregard for public accountability.
Arvin Dexter Lopoz, UPLM spokesperson, said the group viewed Duterte’s “evasive and combative” demeanor as contradicting the principles of transparency and respect expected toward democratic institutions.
“By behaving this way, Duterte disrespects the Senate’s authority and erodes public trust in government, which should be built upon integrity, humility, and adherence to the rule of law,” the statement read.
The Mindanao lawyers’ organization also criticized members of the Senate subcommittee, accusing them of enabling Duterte’s “charade” and noting that some senators appeared to support his conduct.
They said Duterte’s unchecked behavior not only threatens the Senate’s reputation as an independent body but also perpetuates a culture of impunity, sending the wrong message to the public that accountability is optional for those in power.
UPLM called on Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, the subcommittee chairman, and Senate President Francis Escudero to hold Duterte accountable and impose “appropriate disciplinary measures” on the former president in future hearings unless he conducts himself properly.
“The Senate must protect its dignity and ensure that all individuals, regardless of former status, respect its authority,” UPLM said.
The lawyers’ group asserted that Duterte must be held accountable for the extrajudicial killings resulting from his administration’s controversial war on drugs based on the principle of command responsibility.
During the hearing, Duterte accepted full responsibility for police operations that resulted in deaths during his presidency. Duterte admitted to instructing the police to “encourage” suspected criminals to fight back to justify their killing, and forming a “death squad” in Davao when he was the city’s mayor.
UPLM described this as a selective acceptance of accountability, stating that Duterte fostered a culture of violence among law enforcers.
“Cases like the tragic death of Kian delos Santos – a young student killed in an operation where abuse of power was clear – underscore the painful human cost of policies that blurred the line between law enforcement and outright abuse,” UPLM said. “Yet, Duterte’s insistence on distancing himself from specific abuses reveals his unwillingness to address the broader impacts of his policies.” – Rappler.com
