Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s latest statements regarding his drug war were met with silence from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who emphasized that his present priorities are helping areas severely affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. Marcos avoided answering a reporter’s question regarding Duterte’s admissions made during a Senate investigation while he was in Laurel, Batangas, distributing help.
According to Marcos, “I’m not… I don’t want to talk about that now. I need to talk about what’s happening here,” emphasizing the serious harm done to the local infrastructure and the pressing need to restore livelihoods.
Former president Duterte, during a Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing on October 28, admitted to forming a death squad targeting criminals, though he clarified it was made up of “gangsters” and wealthy people rather than police officers. Duterte, now 79, took “full, moral, and legal responsibility” for the violence that occurred during his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Marcos has previously stated that his administration will not cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) should it seek to pursue charges against Duterte for the drug war. In April, Malacañang rejected the National Union of People’s Lawyers’ request to submit a House report to the ICC, with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin affirming the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC.
When asked about criticisms from Vice President Sara Duterte, Marcos chose to stay silent. The Vice President had recently accused Marcos of poor leadership and even threatened to relocate her father’s remains if the Marcos administration’s perceived political attacks continued. Her comments underscore a growing divide between the Marcos and Duterte families as the 2025 midterm elections approach.
Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez defended the ongoing House investigations into alleged abuses from the previous administration, stating that the legislative body is committed to “the right side of history.” He reassured the public that the investigations would continue despite resistance, asserting that they are grounded in “justice and integrity.”
