Former Senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan said on Tuesday, March 11, that charges against former President Duterte must be handled by Philippine courts and not the International Criminal Court (ICC).
"I myself have been arrested, charged, imprisoned, and later granted amnesty. My entire legal process transpired under the jurisdiction of our national courts," he said.
"Similarly, former Presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo faced legal battles, were imprisoned, and went through the judicial process within the bounds of Philippine law," he added.
Honasan said that what is happening now is a dangerous precedent—one that raises serious questions about our nation’s sovereignty and our ability to uphold our own justice system.
Duterte was placed under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday, March 11, after he was served a warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, following his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Hong Kong.
Honasan said that both President Marcos and Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Boying Remulla have consistently asserted that the Philippine justice system is functioning and that the Philippines is not a failed state.
He said that the heart of this issue is not about political loyalties—whether one is for Marcos or Duterte but the "real issue" is the nation's sovereignty.
"The rule of law must prevail. Our justice system must not be dictated by foreign influence or international pressure," he said.