Senator Imee Marcos, currently in The Hague with Vice President Sara Duterte, announced she has filed a new bill named after former President Rodrigo Duterte that seeks to criminalize extraordinary rendition, the forced transfer of individuals without due process, as part of her continued push to assert Philippine sovereignty amid the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation.
“We’ve started lining up several legislative proposals... and apart from those, I have a new bill — the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte bill,” Marcos told reporters in an ambush interview early Wednesday. “This penalizes and criminalizes extraordinary rendition. What happened to President [Duterte] should never happen again.”
Marcos maintained that the ICC’s actions violate Philippine law. “What happened is against our laws, and there must be accountability,” she said.
The senator also pressed the Office of the Ombudsman to act on a pending case related to Duterte, expressing concern over the looming end of the current Ombudsman’s term. “There’s an Ombudsman case that’s just been sitting there. I’m hoping it gets resolved because the Ombudsman is about to change. I’m worried it might never be heard,” she said. “Nonetheless, let’s pursue the case and make sure those responsible are held accountable.”
Vice President Sara Duterte, who accompanied Marcos to the international court’s headquarters, revealed that her father had requested through his legal team that Senator Marcos be allowed entry into the ICC’s premises.
“He made a request through his lawyer if Senator Imee Marcos could enter the ICC,” Sara said.
The Vice President also shared a personal message from her father, quoting: “I believe that she is sincere with her friendship with you. She could’ve chosen not to be your friend.” The younger Duterte offered no further comment on the nature of the senator’s involvement but affirmed their united front.
When asked whether she would support a resolution seeking house arrest for the former President, Marcos replied: “Of course, I stand with them... but I also know the ICC won’t pay attention to us.”
Meanwhile, Senator Marcos addressed fresh reports linking First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to the cocaine overdose death of Paolo Tantoco, heir of the Rustan’s retail empire. The incident, which took place during a Manila Film Festival-related event, has fueled speculation online.
“It’s a huge embarrassment,” the senator said. “There were officials at that event because Manila Film was being promoted. I’m calling on them — if possible, please explain what really happened.”