Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte (Photo courtesy of OVP)
MANILA – Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Tuesday will face all accusations before Philippine courts but totally rejected the authority of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Duterte issued the statement in response to former senator Antonio Trillanes IV's claim that there are pieces of evidence submitted to the ICC that prove she allowed extrajudicial killings (EJK) when she was still the mayor of Davao City.
"Haharapin ko ang anumang akusasyon laban sa akin (I will face any accusation against me). But I will only face any charge against me before a Filipino judge -- and only before a Filipino court," Duterte said.
The Vice President recalled that through the years she served as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City, she was never linked to the alleged Davao Death Squad.
After winning as Vice President though, Duterte said she is being linked to EJK.
"Hindi po ako lalahok o magiging parte ng isang prosesong hindi lamang magsasadlak sa kahihiyan sa bansa kundi dudurog din sa dignidad ng ating mga huwes, korte, at buong justice system ng Pilipinas (I will not cooperate or take part in a process that will not only bring the country shame but also crush the dignity of our justice judges, courts, and the entire justice system of the Philippines)," she assured.
Duterte said allowing foreigners to meddle in the affairs of the country is an insult to national heroes who sacrificed their lives and fought for freedom. (PNA)
