Courtesy: Senate PRIB

The Philippines’ commitment in upholding international agreements, shows in servicing of the International Criminal Court-issued warrant of arrest against for former President Rodrigo Duterte,  Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said.

“The peaceful and orderly service of the Interpol warrant—carried out without incident—reflects our nation’s commitment to upholding international agreements, as well as the maturity, civility, calm, and professionalism of all those involved: our law enforcement authorities, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, his lawyers, and his supporters,” Escudero said in a statement.

Amid Duterte’s arrest, Escudero said this “will undoubtedly elicit diverse reactions shaped by differing perspectives on the allegations against the former president, from the families of victims of extra-judicial killings to his loyal supporters.”

While debate and disagreement are “natural in a democracy,” the Senate President urged Filipinos to approach the development with restraint and respect as displayed by both sides on Tuesday.

He also called on those who are running in the 2025 national and local elections to “refrain from using this issue to fan the flames of partisanship in order to further their candidacies as this is a serious issue that involves lives and should not be trifled with for petty personal or political gain.”

“It is in our nation’s best interests to demonstrate our strength not by division, but by our capacity to rise above our differences and to collectively and peacefully uphold justice and accountability,” Escudero said.