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“I Was in Tears, Sobbing” – Harry Roque Reveals He’s Now an Asylum Seeker in the Netherlands

Sergio Labrador
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“I Was in Tears, Sobbing” – Harry Roque Reveals He’s Now an Asylum Seeker in the Netherlands

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced that he is now a bona fide asylum seeker in the Netherlands during an interview on Friday.

“I am now a bona fide asylum seeker… I can no longer be deported back to the Philippines until my application is resolved,” Roque shared during a gathering in The Hague celebrating former President Rodrigo Duterte’s birthday.

“No more hiding. That’s why when I signed my asylum application, I was in tears, sobbing, because for the first time in six and a half months, I no longer have to live in hiding,” he added.

(Video by Jove Francisco/One News)

Harry Roque, asylum seeker, Netherlands asylum, political asylum, Rodrigo Duterte, The Hague, Philippine politics, deportation, One News, Jove Francisco

Man, 31, Shot Dead After Threatening to Report Drug Pusher

Sergio Labrador
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Man, 31, Shot Dead After Threatening to Report Drug Pusher

A 31-year-old man was gunned down by riding-in-tandem assailants on the night of March 13 in Barangay Kalawaan, Pasig City.

According to an exclusive report by Emil Sumangil on 24 Oras Monday, authorities arrested the suspects in less than 24 hours.

Police identified the gunman as a known criminal with prior charges, including illegal possession of firearms and explosives, carnapping, and murder.

“Our suspect is the leader of a criminal gang, while the other is one of his members,” said Police Major Loreto Tigno, chief investigator of the Pasig Police.

Initial investigations revealed that the victim had warned the gunman to cease his illegal drug activities or face being reported to the police.

crime news, Pasig City shooting, drug-related crime, riding-in-tandem, Pasig Police, Philippine crime news, illegal drugs, 24 Oras exclusive, criminal gang, Metro Manila crime

Palace Stands Firm: No ICC Cooperation on Duterte’s Interim Release

Sergio Labrador
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Palace Stands Firm: No ICC Cooperation on Duterte’s Interim Release

The administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has reiterated its position that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction over the Philippines. Amid discussions on the potential interim release of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Palace firmly stated that the government will not cooperate with the ICC if it imposes technical conditions for his release.

No Jurisdiction, No Cooperation

The Marcos administration has consistently maintained that the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, making any external intervention in its legal matters unacceptable. Presidential officials have emphasized that any legal proceedings involving Duterte should be handled within the country’s judicial system, not by an international tribunal.

Legal and Political Implications

This stance highlights a broader national policy of asserting sovereignty and rejecting foreign interference in domestic affairs. Supporters of Duterte argue that his detention is politically motivated, while critics insist on accountability for alleged human rights violations. Regardless of differing opinions, the Philippine government remains steadfast in its refusal to recognize ICC rulings.

What’s Next?

As tensions rise, the situation remains fluid. Will the ICC push for further action? Will diplomatic pressures influence the government’s stance? One thing is certain—Duterte’s case continues to be a focal point in Philippine politics.

EJK Victims in Duterte’s ICC Trial May Seek Reparations, Says ICC – Accredited Lawyer

Sergio Labrador
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EJK Victims in Duterte’s ICC Trial May Seek Reparations, Says ICC – Accredited Lawyer

MANILA, Philippines — Victims of extrajudicial killings (EJK) during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs may seek reparations from the International Criminal Court (ICC) if a conviction is reached, an ICC-accredited lawyer said.

International law expert and lawyer Joel Butuyan explained that victims can present evidence of the damages they have suffered during the “reparation stage” of the trial. If the accused is found guilty, the court can award reparations from their recoverable assets.

“The damages awarded to victims will first be collected from any recoverable assets of the accused. There is also a legal remedy to request a freeze on the accused’s assets while the trial is ongoing,” Butuyan said during an online forum hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines on March 17.

He added that individuals may file for the freezing of Duterte’s assets once the charges against him are confirmed, which is scheduled for September 23.

“It has to be after the confirmation of charges, not this early because the charges have not been confirmed,” he clarified.

If the accused has no recoverable assets, Butuyan noted that the ICC has a trust fund for reparations. However, he cautioned that victims should not expect large payouts, as the fund has limited resources.

“Reparations can take different forms, such as livelihood programs or activities provided to affected communities, rather than just monetary compensation,” he explained.

Aside from financial aid and livelihood assistance, the ICC may also offer psychological support and other forms of assistance to help victims’ families recover from the crimes committed.

Charges Against Duterte

Philippine government records indicate that Duterte’s war on drugs led to approximately 6,000 deaths. However, human rights groups estimate that the actual death toll may be as high as 30,000, with many victims being small-time drug users and pushers.

On March 14, the ICC charged Duterte with crimes against humanity, citing his alleged involvement in at least 43 killings. These include incidents attributed to the Davao Death Squad and police operations during his presidency.

The charges cover incidents that allegedly took place between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.

Marcos May Need to Replace SolGen Guevarra – Carpio

Sergio Labrador
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Marcos May Need to Replace SolGen Guevarra – Carpio

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may have to dismiss Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra after his refusal to represent government agencies in Supreme Court petitions regarding the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague, former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said Tuesday.

Carpio pointed out that Guevarra’s decision contradicts the Philippine government’s stance that Duterte’s arrest aligns with Republic Act 9851.

“What happened is very problematic because he [Guevarra] is saying the ICC has no jurisdiction, yet the government’s position is that Duterte was turned over precisely because the ICC should take over under RA 9851,” Carpio said in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

He added that Guevarra’s recusal implies that government agencies now need to find another lawyer to represent them before the Supreme Court, creating a “bad optic” for the administration. Carpio also warned that this move could be exploited by the Duterte camp to fuel further political intrigue.

The former justice emphasized that the Solicitor General serves at the President’s pleasure and can be dismissed anytime. “If your lawyer abandons you, of course, you fire them,” he remarked, noting that Guevarra’s decision signals a lack of unity within the Marcos Cabinet.

In his motion for recusal, Guevarra reaffirmed the government’s position that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines due to the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.

“Given the OSG’s firm position that the ICC is barred from exercising jurisdiction over the Philippines and that the country’s legal system is functioning properly, the OSG may not be able to effectively represent the respondents in these cases and is constrained to recuse itself,” he stated.

Carpio argued, however, that the Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the Philippines remains obligated to cooperate with the ICC for crimes committed while it was still a member. “The Solicitor General’s position is unclear,” he concluded.

#Marcos, #Duterte, #MenardoGuevarra, #AntonioCarpio, #ICC, #Philippines, #Politics, #OSG, #SupremeCourt, #RA9851

Dating Pangulong Duterte, Pinilit na Ibinyahe Patungong Hague Matapos Ang Pag-aresto ng ICC

Sergio Labrador
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Dating Pangulong Duterte, Pinilit na Ibinyahe Patungong Hague Matapos Ang Pag-aresto ng ICC

Si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ng Pilipinas ay pinilit na isinakay sa isang eroplano patungong The Hague matapos ang kanyang aresto batay sa isang warrant mula sa International Criminal Court (ICC). Ayon sa kanyang anak na si Sara Duterte, pinilit nilang kunin si Duterte at ilipad patungong The Hague kahit pa may mga isyu sa kanyang kalusugan. Ang insidenteng ito ay nagdulot ng matinding kontrobersiya at nagbukas ng mga mahahalagang tanong ukol sa katotohanan ng katarungan sa Pilipinas at ang papel ng gobyerno ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa isyung ito.

1️⃣ Pagka-aresto at Pagbiyahe Patungong The Hague

Si dating Pangulong Duterte, 79, ay na-aresto sa pangunahing paliparan sa Maynila matapos bumalik mula Hong Kong. Siya ay inaresto batay sa mga kasong crimes against humanity kaugnay ng kanyang kampanya laban sa droga na nagdulot ng libu-libong pagkamatay. Ang arrest warrant mula sa ICC ay inisyu para sa mga krimen na nangyari mula Nobyembre 1, 2011, hanggang Marso 16, 2019. Matapos ang ilang oras mula sa kanyang pagkaka-aresto, pinilit na isakay si Duterte sa isang eroplano patungong The Hague, sa Netherlands, at iniulat ng kanyang anak na si Sara Duterte na siya ay isinakay ng pwersa.

Ayon kay Sara Duterte, “Ito ay hindi katarungan—ito ay paniniil at pang-uusig.” Ang kanyang mga pahayag ay sumasalamin sa damdamin ng marami sa mga tagasuporta ni Duterte na nagalit sa mabilis na pagkilos na ito. Ang kanyang pag-alis ay sinamahan ng mga protesta mula sa mga tagasuporta sa paligid ng paliparan.

2️⃣ Kooperasyon ng Gobyernong Marcos sa ICC

Ayon kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, ang Pilipinas ay nakipagtulungan sa ICC dahil sa isang kahilingan mula sa Interpol. “Hiningi ng Interpol ang tulong at kami ay tumulong dahil may mga pangako kami sa Interpol na kailangan naming tuparin,” wika ni Marcos sa isang press conference. Ang pagpayag ng gobyerno ni Marcos na isakatuparan ang warrant ng ICC ay nagdulot ng mga katanungan ukol sa pamamahala ng bansa at ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga desisyon na isinasagawa.

Marami ang nagsasabi na ang desisyon ni Marcos na makipagtulungan sa ICC at ipadala si Duterte ay isang paglabag sa soberanya ng Pilipinas at isang hakbang na nagpapakita ng pagpapahalaga sa internasyonal na presyon kaysa sa mga sariling batas ng bansa.

3️⃣ Ang Paglabag sa Batas at Ang Korte Suprema

Ang aksyon ng gobyerno ay nagkaroon ng hindi pagkakaintindihan sa mga batas ng Pilipinas. Noong 2019, nag-withdraw ang Pilipinas mula sa ICC, kaya’t walang obligasyon ang bansa na tumanggap o ipatupad ang mga desisyon ng korte na ito. Gayunpaman, sa kabila ng pag-withdraw ng Pilipinas mula sa ICC, itinuloy pa rin ng gobyernong Marcos ang kooperasyon sa ICC at isinulong ang pag-aresto kay Duterte, na tumutok sa mga kasong nangyari sa pagitan ng 2016 at 2019.

Mayroon ding isang Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) na inilabas ng Korte Suprema ng Pilipinas na nag-aabala sa pag-aresto kay Duterte. Ngunit sa kabila nito, itinuloy ang proseso ng pag-aresto, na tila nagbigay daan sa isang malaking tanong: bakit pinili ng gobyerno na huwag igalang ang TRO at mga kautusan ng Korte Suprema?

4️⃣ Ang Pagkakasangkot ng Pamilya Duterte at Politikal na Ambisyon

Bagamat natapos na ang termino ni Duterte bilang pangulo, patuloy pa rin siyang may malaking impluwensiya sa politika ng Pilipinas, lalo na sa kanyang mga anak na sina Sara Duterte at Sebastian Duterte. Si Sara Duterte ay kasalukuyang Bise Presidente ng Pilipinas, at ang kanyang anak na si Sebastian ay kasalukuyang alkalde ng Davao City. Inaasahan din na tatakbo siya bilang vice-mayor sa darating na halalan.

Hindi natapos ang mga ambisyon ni Duterte sa kanyang panahon bilang pangulo. Kamakailan lamang, nag-sign up siya upang tumakbo muli bilang mayor ng Davao, isang hakbang na nagpapakita na ang kanyang politika ay malalim pa rin sa bansa.

5️⃣ Reaksyon ng mga Mamamayan at mga Tagasuporta

Habang ang mga tagasuporta ni Duterte ay nagprotesta laban sa kanyang pag-aresto, marami ring pamilya ng mga biktima ng kanyang brutal na kampanya laban sa droga ang nagsaya at nagdiwang sa pagkaka-aresto. Ayon kay Christine Pascual, ina ng isang biktima ng extrajudicial killing, “Sa pamamagitan ng aming mga dasal at paniniwala, hindi namin inasahan na mangyayari ito. Pagkatapos ng maraming taon na laban para sa katarungan, sa wakas ay nagkaroon ng warrant ng aresto laban kay Pangulong Duterte.”

Ang mga biktima ng kanyang anti-drug war ay naniniwala na ang pag-aresto kay Duterte ay isang hakbang patungo sa katarungan, at nagsisilibing simbolo ng pagtatapos ng isang madugong kabanata sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.

Konklusyon: Ang pagkaka-aresto kay dating Pangulong Duterte ay isang malaking usapin ng katarungan at soberanya ng Pilipinas. Bagamat pinili ng gobyerno ni Marcos na makipagtulungan sa ICC, ito ay nagdulot ng malalaking katanungan ukol sa mga desisyon ng administrasyon at ang epekto nito sa bansa. Sa ngayon, ang isyung ito ay patuloy na nagdudulot ng mga debate at galit sa mga Pilipino, pati na rin ang tanong kung ano ang magiging epekto nito sa hinaharap ng politika at katarungan sa Pilipinas.

#Duterte #ICC #BongbongMarcos #ArestoDuterte #SoberanyaNgPilipinas #Katarungan #Pilipinas #Politika #Pagtataksil #SaraDuterte #SebastianDuterte #ExtrajudicialKillings #WarOnDrugs

Duterte’s Arrest: A Political Tragedy Fueled by Marcos’ Cooperation with the ICC

Sergio Labrador
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Duterte’s Arrest: A Political Tragedy Fueled by Marcos’ Cooperation with the ICC

Arrested or Not? A political tragedy.

7 March 2023 – The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin (Russian President) for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Since the ICC has no jurisdiction over Russia, President Putin was not arrested.
21 November 2024 – The ICC issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu (Israeli Prime Minister) for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Since the ICC has no jurisdiction over Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu was not arrested.

11 March 2025 – The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity (Tokhang). President Duterte was arrested because the Philippines permitted it.

As a sovereign state, the Philippines is not subject to ICC’s control “UNLESS” its current president allows cooperation, as demonstrated when President Marcos permitted the PNP to enforce the arrest warrant.

The plane used to transport former President Duterte was owned by Romualdez.

The jet being used now to bring FPRRD to The Hague is the same jet Marcos and Housespeaker Romualdez used when they went to Tawi Tawi.

A political tragedy.

#DuterteArrest, #PoliticalTragedy, #ICC, #BongbongMarcos, #WarCrimes, #Philippines, #Tokhang, #InternationalJustice, #RuleOfLaw, #Romualdez,

 

After Duterte’s Arrest, PH Urged to Rejoin ICC – Rep. Geraldine Roman

Sergio Labrador
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After Duterte’s Arrest, PH Urged to Rejoin ICC – Rep. Geraldine Roman

MANILA, Philippines — Following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines should take the next logical step by rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC), Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman said on Tuesday.

During a press briefing at the Batasang Pambansa complex, Roman expressed her belief that the country’s return to the ICC would demonstrate its commitment to human rights and adherence to international laws. Her statement came hours after Duterte was barred from leaving Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, as local authorities assisted the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in executing the ICC’s arrest order.

“We unilaterally withdrew from the ICC, and I believe it is time for us to return to show the world that the Philippines respects both our own laws and international law,” she said in Filipino.

“There is nothing wrong with this, my fellow Filipinos. The law is the only safeguard people have against abuses. Even those of us in positions of power need it. It ensures that our courts have the legal basis to deliver justice when we are wronged,” she added.

#DuterteArrest, #Philippines, #ICC, #HumanRights, #GeraldineRoman, #InternationalLaw, #Justice, #Interpol, #PHPolitics, #RuleOfLaw,

Ginang, na-trauma matapos harangin sa NAIA-3 dahil umano sa basyo ng bala sa kanyang maleta

Sergio Labrador
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Ginang, na-trauma matapos harangin sa NAIA-3 dahil umano sa basyo ng bala sa kanyang maleta

Isang 69-anyos na ginang ang dumanas ng matinding takot at trauma matapos umanong paghinalaang may basyo ng bala sa kanyang maleta sa NAIA Terminal 3 noong Marso 6. Ayon sa kanyang anak, si Ruth Adel at ang kanyang ina ay patungo sana sa Vietnam nang harangin sila ng isang babaeng security personnel.

Sinabi umano ng guwardya na kailangang siyasatin ang bagahe ni Adel dahil may nakita raw itong “anting-anting” na basyo ng bala.

SolGen Hiniling sa Korte Suprema na Ibabasura ang Petisyon Laban sa 2025 Budget

Sergio Labrador
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SolGen Hiniling sa Korte Suprema na Ibabasura ang Petisyon Laban sa 2025 Budget

Hiniling ng Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) sa Korte Suprema na ibasura ang petisyon na kumukuwestiyon sa konstitusyunalidad ng pambansang budget para sa 2025.

Sa isang 89-pahinang komento na may petsang Pebrero 27, iginiit ng OSG na hindi pasado sa mga rekisito ng judicial review ang petisyon dahil sa kawalan ng isang “aktwal na kaso o kontrobersya” at iba pang teknikal na kakulangan.

“Ang petisyon sa harap ng Kagalang-galang na Hukuman ay hindi nagpapakita ng tunay na alalahanin para sa integridad ng Konstitusyon, kundi isang pagtatangka lamang upang harangin ang pagpapatupad ng isang batas na mahalaga sa pag-unlad ng bansa at kapakanan ng mamamayan,” ayon sa pahayag ng OSG.

Si Rep. Isidro Ungab (Davao, 1st District), dating executive secretary Vic Rodriguez, at anim na iba pa ang naghain ng petisyon noong Enero 27 upang ideklarang labag sa Konstitusyon ang P6.325-trilyong pambansang budget. Tinawag nilang “ilegal at kriminal” ang General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Isyu sa “Blank Line Items”

Isa sa mga pangunahing batayan ng petisyon ang umano’y mga “blank line items” sa budget, paglabag sa Universal Health Care Act (UHCA), kakulangan ng prayoridad sa sektor ng edukasyon, at pagtanggal ng pondo para sa Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Gayunpaman, iginiit ng Kongreso na ang mga blankong espasyo ay hindi bahagi ng opisyal na budget bill na ipinadala kay Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. o sa pinirmahang GAA. Ayon kay House Appropriations Acting Chair Stella Quimbo, lumitaw lamang ang mga blankong item sa bicameral conference committee report at isang teknikal na isyu na maaaring ayusin ng kanilang technical staff.

Pondo sa Edukasyon

Binanggit din ng OSG ang kontrobersyal na usapin sa budget para sa edukasyon, kung saan binatikos ang pagbawas sa pondo at ang pagsama ng ilang ahensya ng gobyerno, tulad ng mga akademyang militar, sa sektor ng edukasyon.

Ayon sa OSG, bagama’t umabot sa P1.056 trilyon ang inilaang budget para sa edukasyon, kasama rito ang mga proyektong pang-imprastruktura ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at ang ikalawang bahagi ng salary increase sa ilalim ng Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund.

Sa paghahambing, nakatanggap ng P1.034 trilyon ang DPWH.

Giit ng OSG, sumusunod pa rin ang budget sa mandato ng Konstitusyon na bigyang-prayoridad ang edukasyon, dahil ang mga pondong inilaan sa ibang ahensya sa loob ng sektor ng edukasyon ay nakatuon pa rin sa akademikong instruksyon at pagsasanay ng mga mag-aaral.

Oral Arguments sa Korte Suprema

Inatasan ng Korte Suprema si Quimbo at ang mga miyembro ng technical working group na dumalo sa oral arguments kaugnay ng petisyon sa Abril 1.

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