Panelo Discusses Duterte’s Possible Return and Legal Tensions with ICC

In a compelling interview, former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo calls on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to facilitate the return of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the Philippines, claiming his departure may have involved illegal actions by government operatives.

Panelo argues that the Supreme Court of the Philippines has jurisdiction over the matter and can declare the act unconstitutional, potentially overriding any influence from the International Criminal Court (ICC). He references international legal incidents — including cases involving Italy and the Trump administration — to bolster his claim that sovereignty and constitutional law prevail over international pressure.

He further claims that the Duterte administration was marked by fearless governance, and compares the moral and legal weight of returning Duterte to the Philippines with the controversial burial of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Key topics include:

• Alleged illegality in Duterte’s arrest or departure

• Potential for a writ of habeas corpus to challenge the act

• The symbolic and legal parallels to Marcos Sr.’s burial

• The political implications of reconciliation between the Duterte and Marcos camps

• Panelo’s behind-the-scenes knowledge of Duterte’s departure

This discussion raises significant questions about sovereignty, political accountability, and transitional justice in the Philippines.

Stay informed with this developing story.