Senator Bam Aquino said cases linked to alleged extrajudicial killings during former president Rody Duterte’s drug war should be heard in Philippine courts, stressing the importance of local accountability while recognizing the ongoing proceedings before the International Criminal Court.
Aquino issued the statement after the ICC Office of the Prosecutor identified Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa as among the alleged co perpetrators in the crimes against humanity case against Duterte.
He said the Philippines must confront the killings and pursue justice in its own courts, noting that the victims and their families are in the country.
“The trials for these cases should ideally be held here in the Philippines because this is where the victims are,” Aquino said, adding that seeking justice where the alleged crimes happened would be more meaningful.
At the same time, Aquino said he respects the process underway at the ICC in The Hague. He emphasized that senators are expected to discuss the matter in caucus and underscored the need to wait for formal court actions before drawing conclusions.
The confirmation of charges in Duterte’s case is scheduled to begin on February 23, with additional hearings set for February 24, 26, and 27.
