The Philippine Senate announced its intention to conduct a formal investigation into the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was quickly handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) following his detainment last week. This move has sparked considerable political turmoil as the country approaches the midterm elections in May.

Senator Imee Marcos, sister of the current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., spearheads the inquiry. “It is imperative to establish whether due process was followed and to ensure that his legal rights were upheld,” Marcos stated during a press conference. She added that issues surrounding sovereignty and legal processes must be prioritized, acknowledging the division the arrest has caused within the nation. The Senate has scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, inviting police and high-ranking officials to provide evidence regarding the circumstances of Duterte's arrest.

Duterte, who at 79 is the first former Asian head of state indicted by the ICC, faces allegations of crimes against humanity, particularly murder, stemming from his controversial war on drugs during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. This campaign has been blamed for thousands of extrajudicial killings, raising significant human rights concerns from various international organizations.

The political landscape has been strained as the once-allied Marcos and Duterte families endure a notable split after their successful coalition in 2022, which saw Marcos Jr. elected president and Sara Duterte becoming the vice president. Duterte’s daughter has previously faced impeachment, with accusations including conspiracy to commit murder against the president. Imee Marcos, who is running for re-election under the administration's banner, has had to navigate this tumultuous relationship carefully. Hours after Duterte's arrest, she voiced skepticism about its necessity, warning, “This can only lead to trouble,” as tensions mount within the Duterte camp regarding upcoming elections.

Duterte was detained on March 11 at a Manila airport and was swiftly transferred to the Netherlands, complying with an Interpol request. His supporters have rallied across the nation, protesting for his release and expressing concerns over the political implications of his legal challenges.

This ongoing investigation into such high-profile political matters continues to provoke deep divides in Philippine society, as the ramifications of Duterte's actions and his under-fire allies remain prevalent in current national discourse.

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