TWO local candidates for the midterm elections have voiced concerns over the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, calling for transparency and due process.
Dismissed Mandaue City mayor Jonas Cortes, a longtime Duterte ally, stressed the need for legal clarity and national unity.
“The arrest of PRRD has a very big impact on our country, and it would be better if the legal basis of the arrest was explained and clarified for the public,” Cortes said in Cebuano on Tuesday afternoon, March 11, 2025.
Cortes, who is running for mayor, urged calm and respect for the rule of law despite political differences.
His ally, congressional candidate Regal Oliva, questioned the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) jurisdiction, noting that the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019.
“The legal and political storm brewing over the reported arrest of former President Duterte through an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court is something which I and the public cannot ignore,” Oliva said.
Duterte was taken into custody by the Philippine National Police on Tuesday morning, upon his arrival from Hong Kong after the ICC issued a warrant for his arrest over crimes against humanity tied to his war on drugs.
Oliva also warned that Duterte’s arrest could spark legal battles and political instability in the country.
Both Cortes and Oliva had received Duterte’s endorsement for the upcoming elections. Cortes previously received Duterte’s backing in 2019, while Oliva said seeking Duterte’s endorsement was a collective decision within Team Mandaue.
Cortes and Team Mandaue will face off against Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon’s faction, backed by Lakas-CMD and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
Meanwhile, Cebu-based progressive groups held a protest rally at Fuente Osmeña Circle past 5 p.m. Tuesday, urging the government to expedite the process for transferring Duterte to ICC custody in The Hague, Netherlands.
An hour later, Duterte supporters, led by Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro, gathered at Plaza Independencia in downtown Cebu City for a candle-lighting ceremony.
The supporters became emotional during the gathering. / CAV, EHP