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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte arrest not betrayal, but justice for EJK victims—Palace

Duterte arrest not betrayal, but justice for EJK victims—Palace

Published Mar 17, 2026 02:37 pm
Malacañang has rejected former president Rodrigo Duterte’s defense’s claims of betrayal, saying his arrest served justice for the victims of his bloody war on drugs.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro asserted that the Philippine government did not betray the former president when it had adhered with the Interpol's request for his arrest one year ago.
"It has been one year since the victims of EJK (extrajudicial killings) have seen their way of justice, the justice that they deserve," Castro said when sought for reaction on Duterte's lawyer Nicholas Kaufman's claims of betrayal.
On the first anniversary of Duterte's arrest, Kaufman said: 'It is one year since the former President was betrayed by the incumbent government and denied the ability to defend his legacy under the law of the Philippines."
Castro countered, saying it was not the President who betrayed his predecessor, but rather a betrayal of the nation committed by the perpetrators and co-perpetrators of crimes against humanity.
"It is not the President who betrayed the Filipinos but the perpetrators and co-perpetrators in the commission of the crimes against humanity who betrayed and continually betray the Filipino people," the Palace mouthpiece said during a press briefing in Cebu on Tuesday, March 17.
She also hit back at Kaufman for politicking "instead of defending" his client.
"Here, Kaufman goes again politicking instead of defending his own client. Pamumulitika. Is he preparing for the 2028 elections?" she fired back.

Related Tags

President Marcos Rodrigo Duterte Nicholas Kaufman Claire Castro war on drugs
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