President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. views the enforcement of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant on former President Rodrigo Duterte through the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Red Notice as a defining challenge to his administration’s commitment to the rule of law.

The government must carefully consider the legal and diplomatic implications of the ICC’s directive, which targeted Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity during his drug war.

“The rule of law is the foundation of our democracy,” Marcos stated.

The Chief Executive views the ICC order as an opportunity to affirm the country’s adherence to treaties and commitments made.

In a partnership, Daily Tribune and the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office ran down the most relevant activities of the Chief Executive last week.

10 March

Mercado named DICT OIC

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. designated Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for Special Concerns Paul Mercado as officer-in-charge of the agency.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the announcement in a text message to reporters on Monday.

This followed the resignation of Secretary Ivan Uy as DICT chief last week.

11 March

Interpol commitment honored

President Marcos Jr. said the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte was in compliance with the Philippines’ commitment to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

He said the DoJ served the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant on the former president as he disembarked from a plane from Hong Kong.

Marcos said it was what the international community would have expected of a leader of a democratic country.

Duterte was placed under government custody at Villamor Air Base before he was put on the plane that would carry him to The Hague, the Netherlands, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his war on drugs.

12 March

Legal procedures followed in arrest

The government followed legal procedures in the arrest of Duterte, President Marcos said on Tuesday.

“We followed all the necessary legal procedures. I’m confident that under further examination, you will find that it was proper and correct,” Marcos said in a press conference, adding that there was “very good basis” for serving the ICC arrest warrant on Duterte.

Marcos denied Duterte’s arrest was unlawful, saying the government complied with the Interpol request to enforce the ICC warrant. He maintained the Philippine government is not cooperating with the ICC.

13 March

Support for agri sector continues

The President said the government will enhance its support to the agricultural sector to increase production and improve incomes.

He renewed this commitment when he inaugurated the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative Grains Terminal and Trading Project, a P278.3-million grains facility, in Barangay Simlong, Batangas City.

He also ordered the Department of Agriculture to coordinate with the Cooperative Development Authority to strengthen farmer cooperatives.

He said cooperatives would receive government help to acquire new machinery and post-harvest facilities to increase their harvests and incomes.

Strategic investments reach P4.6T

The President announced that strategic investments in the country had reached P4.6 trillion.

He said the milestone resulted from the government’s efforts to streamline investment processes and collaborate with various agencies to attract more investors.

Marcos said the influx of investments is expected to generate 300,000 jobs for Filipinos, offering them improved livelihoods and meaningful personal and professional growth opportunities.

CIDG chief threatened

Police Maj. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III, acting director of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, revealed that he was threatened with a lawsuit by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte when he retires from the service.

In a Malacañang press briefing, Torre said Duterte made the threat while he was being taken into custody on an ICC arrest warrant on 11 March.

He said the police officers assigned to arrest the former president were also physically and verbally attacked by members of Duterte’s family.

Amid the verbal and physical abuse by the Dutertes, the PNP said the police officers maintained their cool in serving the arrest order.

14 March

More jobs, health services for Samar

President Marcos led the government’s “Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas” initiative to provide more jobs, healthcare services, and cheaper commodities to the people of Samar.

In his speech during the event held at the Old Manunca Elementary School in Sta. Rita, Samar, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Filipinos through this inter-agency drive that offers job fairs, medical missions, and affordable goods.

He urged local residents to take advantage of the services.

“Take advantage of this opportunity to find jobs, get medical checkups, and buy cheaper goods,” Marcos said.