Manila, Philippines – THE arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on charges of crimes against humanity could set a legal precedent for local prosecutors to pursue cases against other officials involved in the brutal war on drugs, which led to thousands of extrajudicial killings, according to Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman.
Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, who chairs the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, stressed that those who played a role in implementing Duterte’s war on drugs should also be held accountable.
“Now, with regards to the others, I don’t know. Nandidiyan ‘din yung ating mga local prosecutors,” Roman told reporters during Tuesday’s press conference.
“Yes, everybody who was involved in that war against drugs and the EJKs may have some degree of culpability, and what comes to mind right now is yung command responsibility,” Roman added.
She pointed out that while guilt is often viewed as a personal matter, leaders who designed and executed violent policies cannot be absolved of responsibility.
“You know, there are claims that guilt is only personal, but what about, I don’t know, in cases like kidnapping, hindi ba ang mastermind mayroon din degree of culpability? The brains behind that policy, the man who designed that policy, dapat meron siyang responsibility rin sa usapin na ito,” she said.
The House Quad Comm’s investigation previously uncovered the involvement of key police officials such as former Philippine National Police (PNP) officer Royina Garma in alleged abuses linked to the war on drugs.
Roman also noted that while the International Criminal Court (ICC) primarily focuses on high-profile figures, local authorities have the responsibility to hold lower-ranking officials accountable.
“Usually, kasi naririnig kong mga kaso sa ICC is ‘yung mga prominent figures talaga eh. Even doon sa mga war crimes, usually mga national figureheads. I don’t know why,” she said.
“But I guess this is also the nature of the ICC. Kasi nga the ICC was established to reaffirm the importance of a rules-based order around the world,” she added.
Beyond seeking justice for victims, Roman said the arrest of Duterte should send a strong message to government officials that the rule of law must prevail.
“Aside from obtaining justice for the victims, parang statement din to sa buong mundo na kailangan mahalaga na panaigin ang mga batas sa lahat ng kaso,” she said.
She stressed that as a civilized nation, the Philippines must demonstrate its commitment to justice and accountability.
“Kung tayo ay civilized country, kung tayo ay civilized community of nations,” she said.
