ILOILO CITY – Iloilo Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. said that former President Rodrigo Duterte will have the chance to undergo the legal process in the allegations of crimes against humanity in the bloody drug war at the International Criminal Court.
ILOILO Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. speaks in a March 14, 2025 press conference in Iloilo City. (Tara Yap)
“We have to let due process take its course,” said Defensor in a press conference on Friday, March 14.
Defensor acknowledged the role of the ICC. “As a lawyer, international part of our legal system,” emphasized Defensor.
The governor welcomed Duterte’s supporters airing grievances against the arrest of the former President.
“They are free to do that (to protest) but they should not disturb the peace,” added Defensor.
Duterte supporters held candlelight vigils outside the Iloilo Provincial Capitol here to urge authorities to bring back Duterte to the Philippines from The Hague in the Netherlands.
Defensor urged the people to focus on key socio-economic concerns facing them.
“Let us face the threats we are facing (at home). We are fighting dengue. We are fighting food security. We are fighting our rights at the West Philippine Sea,” said Defensor.
“We have a lot of work to do,” added Defensor.