Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, frustrated by the absence of key government officials, called for the Senate to issue subpoenas compelling their attendance at hearings on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and extradition to the ICC.
During the April 3 Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing led by Senator Imee Marcos, nearly 30 executive officials declined to appear, citing executive privilege.
Senate President Francis Escudero stated that he would await legal review before approving any subpoenas, emphasizing the need to prevent a constitutional crisis.
Malacañang defended its officials’ absence, arguing they had already provided sufficient information in prior hearings and citing ongoing Supreme Court petitions related to Duterte’s case.
Senator Marcos insisted that more answers were needed, underscoring concerns over possible rights violations in Duterte’s arrest.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 4, 2025
