MANILA – Malacañang clarified on Tuesday that it is the individuals involved in alleged crimes against humanity during the anti-drug campaign of former president Rodrigo Duterte—not the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.—who have betrayed the Filipino people.
The statement was issued in response to claims by Duterte’s lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, that the former president had been “betrayed” by the current government.
Speaking in Mandaue City, Cebu, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro dismissed the accusation, emphasizing that the priority should remain ensuring justice for the families of victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) linked to Duterte’s anti-drug operations.
Castro also criticized what she called the politicization of the issue by Duterte’s camp, noting their attempts to draw sympathy by questioning the Marcos administration’s earlier decisions regarding Duterte’s potential arrest.
“It has been a year since the victims of EJKs have awaited the justice they rightfully deserve,” Castro said. “It is not the President who betrayed the Filipino people, but those who committed and continue to commit crimes against humanity.”
Launched in 2016, Duterte’s anti-drug campaign has faced widespread criticism both locally and internationally due to thousands of deaths resulting from police operations and vigilante-style killings. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been investigating these alleged crimes.
The Marcos administration has confirmed it has no plans to rejoin the ICC, following Duterte’s withdrawal from the tribunal in 2019. Meanwhile, families of EJK victims and human rights advocates continue to press for accountability and justice.
iamigo/xf
