Ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, iniimbestigahan na ng DOJ Task Force kaugnay sa EJK | 24 Oras

Summary

The Philippine Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte for possible crimes against humanity, specifically regarding his controversial anti-drug campaign. The probe, led by a task force on extrajudicial killings, examines actions from Duterte's time as mayor of Davao to his presidency. Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla emphasized that the investigation is rooted in both local laws and international humanitarian law. Despite ongoing probes, Duterte’s legal team, represented by former adviser Salvador Panelo, questions the lack of concrete evidence. The investigation also runs parallel to the International Criminal Court's review of similar charges.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Philippine Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into possible crimes against humanity charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte related to his war on drugs.
• 😀 The task force on extrajudicial killings is investigating Duterte and other potential individuals involved in human rights abuses during his presidency, particularly regarding the anti-drug campaign.
• 😀 Duterte's statements acknowledging orders to kill drug manufacturers and major drug distributors have been central to the investigation.
• 😀 The investigation covers the period when Duterte was mayor of Davao, as well as during his presidency, focusing on the legality and impact of his war on drugs.
• 😀 Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla confirmed that the investigation has already begun, highlighting the wide scope of the inquiry.
• 😀 The charges being considered include violations of both domestic and international laws, particularly the Revised Penal Code and the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
• 😀 The International Criminal Court (ICC) is examining crimes against humanity charges against Duterte, with the Philippine government also pursuing its own legal action.
• 😀 There is an effort to distinguish the charges brought by the Philippine government from those being studied by the ICC to avoid overlap, while still adhering to the principle of complementarity.
• 😀 According to Salvador Panelo, Duterte's former legal adviser, the government is being cautious in the legal process, urging the public not to expect immediate updates but emphasizing thorough evaluation of evidence.
• 😀 The investigation also aims to examine potential violations under the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, including genocide and other crimes against humanity.

Q & A

What is the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigating regarding former President Rodrigo Duterte?

The DOJ is investigating former President Rodrigo Duterte for possible crimes against humanity, focusing on extrajudicial killings during his war on drugs.

What was the role of the task force mentioned in the investigation?

The task force, created to investigate extrajudicial killings, is closely involved in gathering evidence and conducting the inquiry into Duterte's actions, including his time as mayor of Davao and president.

What statement did Duterte make regarding his orders related to drug manufacturers?

Duterte admitted that he personally ordered the killing of drug manufacturers and major drug distributors as part of his strategy against illegal drugs.

What is the scope of the investigation into Duterte's actions?

The investigation covers the period when Duterte was mayor of Davao, through his presidency, and includes his implementation of the controversial anti-drug war.

Which laws are being applied in the investigation?

The investigation involves the Revised Penal Code, other special laws, and International Humanitarian Law (IHL), focusing on violations such as genocide and crimes against humanity.

Why is International Humanitarian Law being emphasized in the investigation?

International Humanitarian Law is being emphasized because it is the same legal framework that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is using in its ongoing investigation into Duterte's actions.

What does the Department of Justice hope to achieve with the charges against Duterte?

The DOJ aims to ensure that the charges against Duterte are distinct from those being pursued by the ICC, preventing overlap while adhering to the principle of complementarity in international law.

What is the concern regarding the overlap of charges between the DOJ and the ICC?

There is a concern that the charges brought by the DOJ might overlap with those being pursued by the ICC, though the goal is to keep them separate to avoid conflicts between national and international legal proceedings.

What was the response from Duterte's former legal adviser, Attorney Salvador Panelo?

Attorney Salvador Panelo, Duterte’s former legal adviser, questioned why the case had not been filed earlier if there was sufficient evidence, suggesting a lack of transparency in the investigation.

How did the Department of Justice respond to questions about the investigation's progress?

The DOJ emphasized that it is evaluating all evidence carefully, though it did not provide a detailed, day-by-day account of the investigation's progress.