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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Sino ba ang dapat sundin?': Imee Marcos hits Palace's 'contradictory' remarks about Senate hearing on Duterte arrest

'Sino ba ang dapat sundin?': Imee Marcos hits Palace's 'contradictory' remarks about Senate hearing on Duterte arrest

Published Apr 1, 2025 08:16 am

At A Glance

  • Senator Imee Marcos has questioned on Tuesday, April 1 Malacañang's supposed contradictory pronouncements regarding the attendance of government officials to her committee's high-profile investigation on fomer president Rodrigo Duterte's recent arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

20250401_144306.jpgSenator Imee Marcos (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook)

Senator Imee Marcos has questioned on Tuesday, April 1 Malacañang's supposed contradictory pronouncements regarding the attendance of government officials to her committee's high-profile investigation on fomer president Rodrigo Duterte's recent arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a message to reporters, Senator Marcos called attention to a letter that was sent by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to her, as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; and to Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Monday.

This was three days ahead of the lady senator's scheduled next hearing on the topic of Duterte's arrest, which the ex-leader's supporters said was illegal.

In the Bersamin letter, Senator Marcos said it was indicated that officials from the executive would not be able to attend the hearing on Thursday due to their executive privilege.

This, despite President Marcos' earlier statement that he wouldn't prohibit government officials from attending his elder sister's Senate inquiry.

"Sino ba ang dapat sundin? Hindi tugma ang sinasabi ni Executive Secretary Bersamin at ni Pangulong Marcos (Who should be followed? Executive Secretary Bersamin and President Marcos' statements are contradictory)," the reelectionist said in a statement.

Senator Marcos said that there shouldn't be any confusion in government when it comes to transparency and accountability.

"Hindi pwedeng may kanya-kanya silang desisyon. Para saan pa ang salita ng Pangulo kung hindi naman pala nila susundin? (They can't have their own separate decisions. What good is a President's word if they won't follow it?)," she said.

received_2106637273135188.jpeg

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin's letter (Contributed photo)

The executive secretary is a top official in Malacañang who is handpicked by the President.

Duterte is being detained and tried by the ICC in the Netherlands for crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s bloody war on drugs. He was arrested in Manila by the International Police (Interpol) last March 11.

Last week, Senator Marcos essentially removed herself from the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial ticket after carrying out the first hearing on the matter.

President Marcos is the main endorser of the Alyansa slate.

Related Tags

Lucas Bersamin matalinong boto 2025 President Marcos imee marcos Rodrigo Duterte
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