By Lane Afable, News Editor
Malacanang said it respects the ruling of the International Criminal Court (ICC) that confirmed all charges of crimes against humanity against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a statement, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro underscored the pursuit of justice for all parties involved, where accountability and due process are essential for both the accused and the victims.
“We respect the ruling of ICC that confirms all charges of crimes against humanity against former President Duterte,” Castro noted.
“Hustisya ang kailangang makuha sa mga kasong ito. Parehong partido ay makikinabang rito. Hustisya para sa akusado kung walang sala o hustisya rin sa mga biktima kung naabuso naman ang kanilang karapatan,” the Palace Press Officer added.
On April 23, the Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled that Duterte ran a state killing machine whose order to “neutralize” criminals ultimately meant one thing: to kill them.
The ruling commits Duterte to a full trial, the first for any Asian head of state at the court.
