Philippines: Prosecutor Files Criminal Case Against Former President Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Major General Nicolas Torre III, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), has taken a bold step by filing criminal charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte. In his defense, Torre emphasizes the urgency to hold Duterte accountable for abandoning police officers who followed his orders during his presidency.

Torre Addresses Duterte’s Promises

Torre questions whether Duterte would take responsibility for serious acts, such as killing 15 senators, alluding to a statement made by the former president during a kickoff rally for his senatorial candidates in recent midterm elections. The controversial figurehead of the Philippines has previously vowed to stand by police officers who acted under his directives, a commitment Torre now contests.

Kian delos Santos Case

A primary example Torre cites is the case of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos, who was killed during an alleged anti-drug operation by Caloocan police in August 2017. Despite his assurance to protect the officers, Duterte did not fulfill his promise, leading to the conviction of the officers involved.

Accusations of Misconduct

Torre also highlights Duterte’s alleged statements directed at soldiers, encouraging them to engage in irresponsible actions, including rape with impunity. These developments have prompted Torre to take legal action, informing PNP chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil about the cases before proceeding.

Multiplication of Challenges

Much to Malacañang’s chagrin, the filing of these cases did not involve their involvement. Meanwhile, despite the wrongdoing, none of the incumbent senators have stepped forward to file complaints against Duterte.

National Bureau of Investigation’s Stance

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has clarified that they will not initiate a probe into Duterte’s remark about killing 15 senators unless a sitting senator files a formal complaint. NBI Director Jaime Santiago expressed skepticism regarding the seriousness of the statement, even suggesting it was a joke in today’s climate.

Political Context

The situation transcends simple political rhetoric, as Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong highlights. He argues that normalizing threats from public officials poses a concerning issue for democracy. Adiong emphasizes the importance of respecting and not trivializing political statements.

Inciting to Sedition

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a vocal critic of the Duterte administration, plans to file inciting to sedition charges against Duterte. His actions align with the CIDG’s stance, pushing for accountability and justice.

Senators’ Reactions

Senators such as Ronald dela Rosa and Imee Marcos offer contrasting viewpoints. Dela Rosa advises against pursuing the case, arguing that it is unlikely any senator felt threatened by Duterte’s remarks. On the other hand, Marcos claims not to be afraid, viewing such statements as typical Davao “trash talk.”

Conclusion

The criminal filings against Duterte mark a significant turn in dealing with past grievances, challenging political norms and potentially reshaping accountability within the country. The actions of Torre and Trillanes stand as beacons of hope for those who believe in justice and the rule of law.

As these developments unfold, public opinion and legislative action will be crucial in determining the future consequences of Duterte’s words and actions during his presidency.

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