FILE

Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte are back in the headlines—this time with a challenge from Manila Rep. Joel Chua. The lawmaker believes that if they’re truly innocent of the crimes against humanity allegations from the International Criminal Court (ICC), they should face the charges head-on.

“Pareho naman silang abogado, di ba?”

Chua, who chairs the House Committee on Good Government, pointed out that both Dutertes are lawyers and should understand that clearing their names requires legal action, not just public statements.

"I don’t think I’m in the position to advise them," Chua said during a press conference. "Pero parehas naman silang abogado at sinasabi nilang wala silang kinalaman dito. Kung totoo 'yun, siguro mas maganda na harapin po nila ito para maipahayag ang kanilang side."

In other words—if they really have nothing to hide, why not step forward and prove it?

Duterte: “Anong kasalanan ko?”

During his recent appearance in Hong Kong at a Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) event, Duterte questioned why the ICC was targeting him for his war on drugs.

"Anong kasalanan ko? Ginawa ko naman ang lahat sa panahon ko para may konting katahimikan at magpayapa ang buhay ng Pilipino," he said.

But Chua had a blunt response: The former president’s anti-drug campaign wasn’t just about “peace”—it resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.

"Unang-una, meron tayong tinatawag na rule of law," Chua explained. "Marami sa mga napatay noon ay hindi nabigyan ng pagkakataon na malitis. Hindi lahat sila sangkot sa droga—marami sa kanila mga inosente at walang kalaban-laban."

He emphasized that the ICC’s case isn’t just speculation; it’s based on solid testimonial and documentary evidence linking Duterte to these killings.

Facing the ICC: A Chance to Clear Their Names?

The ICC’s investigation is focused on Duterte’s bloody war on drugs, which human rights groups claim led to a "mass killing" of thousands. Chua argued that if Duterte and his daughter truly believe they’re innocent, this is their chance to prove it before an impartial tribunal.

"Kung sa tingin nila wala silang kasalanan, ito na rin ang pagkakataon para masagot ang mga akusasyon sa kanila," Chua said.

KOJC Event: Not an OFW Gathering?

Chua also pointed out that the Hong Kong event wasn’t really an official government function or a meeting with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), as some had claimed.

"Kung makikita niyo, ang crowd nila doon ay puro KOJC members. Hindi naman talaga OFW ang pangkalahatang audience. It was a set-up program," he added.

With the ICC intensifying its probe, the pressure is mounting. Will the Dutertes face the international court to defend themselves, or will they continue to challenge it from a distance?