Screengrab from Kitty Duterte

House leaders on Tuesday hailed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, calling it a major victory for justice and accountability.

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. and House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V both emphasized that the move reaffirms a powerful truth—no one, not even a former head of state, is exempt from the rule of law.

‘A Step Toward Justice’

“The arrest of former President Duterte is a decisive step toward justice,” Gonzales declared. “This proves that crimes against humanity will not be tolerated by the international community, and those responsible for extrajudicial killings must be held accountable.”

Ortega echoed this sentiment, stressing that accountability knows no borders.

“Justice has no expiration date. The thousands of lives lost in the bloody war on drugs deserve to be remembered,” Ortega said. “The arrest of the former President is proof that impunity will never be permanent.”

Gonzales also dismissed claims from Duterte’s allies that the arrest was politically motivated.

“The ICC operates based on evidence, not politics,” he said. “This is not about partisanship—it’s about justice, accountability, and human rights.”

Young Guns Speak Out: ‘No Escape from Justice’

The House’s “Young Guns” bloc also weighed in, applauding the swift and peaceful enforcement of the ICC warrant and Interpol’s Red Notice against Duterte upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Hong Kong.

Assistant Majority Leaders Pammy Zamora, Jay Khonghun, and Jil Bongalon stressed that the development should serve as a wake-up call for leaders who abuse their power.

“This is a victory for justice and accountability,” they said in a joint statement. “The ICC warrant is not just symbolic—it’s a clear message that no one is untouchable, not even a former president.”
The lawmakers urged the Philippine government to stand on the right side of history.

“The world is watching,” they warned. “Will our leaders uphold justice, or will they shield someone wanted for crimes against humanity?”

They also called on Duterte’s allies to stop framing the arrest as a political maneuver.

“They say this is just politics, but the ICC does not issue arrest warrants without substantial evidence,” the Young Guns pointed out. “This is not a political stunt—this is justice catching up with the former president.”

‘No One Is Above the Law’

As the dust settles on Duterte’s arrest, House leaders remain firm in their stance: justice must prevail.

“The thousands of families who lost their loved ones deserve closure,” they said. “Duterte must stop running from accountability. No one is above the law—not him, not anyone.”