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Advocates Philippines
Leni Robredo On Duterte's ICC Case: A Step Toward Justice, But Not The Same As De Lima's Ordeal
Photo credit: Leni Robredo
For former Vice President Leni Robredo, the ongoing legal process faced by former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a significant step toward accountability—but it pales in comparison to what former senator Leila de Lima endured.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, March 15, 2025, Robredo reflected on the stark differences between the two situations.
“This is the first step toward accountability and justice—something that [former] senator Leila also went through. So when I hear all this talk about due process and fairness, I can’t help but remember her situation,” Robredo said.
‘She Had to Endure It All’
De Lima was detained for nearly seven years under Duterte’s administration over what many believed were politically motivated charges. Robredo emphasized that despite the unfairness, De Lima faced the process head-on.
“I saw what she went through, and it’s very different from what’s happening now. She had to endure it all because she followed due process. She faced the charges against her, no matter how difficult and unjust they were,” Robredo explained.
She then pointed out how Duterte’s situation in The Hague is far more comfortable than De Lima’s detention at the PNP Custodial Center.
“I can’t help but compare. Duterte’s situation now is nothing like what Senator Leila went through. We all know her ordeal—she was incarcerated for almost seven years on trumped-up charges. She never questioned the due process; she faced everything. And in the end, she was proven right—she was innocent,” she added.
‘Duterte Has It Easy’
Robredo also highlighted the privileges Duterte currently enjoys.
“From what I hear, he has access to a computer, his living conditions are fine, he can move around freely, and he can even have conjugal and family visits. That’s a far cry from what Senator Leila went through,” she said.
Despite the differences, Robredo stressed the importance of due process and holding those in power accountable.
“She endured all of that because she followed due process—even when it was obviously political harassment,” Robredo concluded.
While Duterte’s case at the ICC marks progress in seeking justice, Robredo made it clear: the suffering De Lima went through should not be forgotten.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, March 15, 2025, Robredo reflected on the stark differences between the two situations.
“This is the first step toward accountability and justice—something that [former] senator Leila also went through. So when I hear all this talk about due process and fairness, I can’t help but remember her situation,” Robredo said.
‘She Had to Endure It All’
De Lima was detained for nearly seven years under Duterte’s administration over what many believed were politically motivated charges. Robredo emphasized that despite the unfairness, De Lima faced the process head-on.
“I saw what she went through, and it’s very different from what’s happening now. She had to endure it all because she followed due process. She faced the charges against her, no matter how difficult and unjust they were,” Robredo explained.
She then pointed out how Duterte’s situation in The Hague is far more comfortable than De Lima’s detention at the PNP Custodial Center.
“I can’t help but compare. Duterte’s situation now is nothing like what Senator Leila went through. We all know her ordeal—she was incarcerated for almost seven years on trumped-up charges. She never questioned the due process; she faced everything. And in the end, she was proven right—she was innocent,” she added.
‘Duterte Has It Easy’
Robredo also highlighted the privileges Duterte currently enjoys.
“From what I hear, he has access to a computer, his living conditions are fine, he can move around freely, and he can even have conjugal and family visits. That’s a far cry from what Senator Leila went through,” she said.
Despite the differences, Robredo stressed the importance of due process and holding those in power accountable.
“She endured all of that because she followed due process—even when it was obviously political harassment,” Robredo concluded.
While Duterte’s case at the ICC marks progress in seeking justice, Robredo made it clear: the suffering De Lima went through should not be forgotten.
Mar 15, 2025
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