In a recent interview, Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV argued that cases involving the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during Rodrigo Duterte's brutal drug war should "ideally" be tried in Philippine courts rather than before the International Criminal Court (ICC).He emphasized that victims and their families are here in the Philippines, suggesting that local trials would be more meaningful. While Aquino paid lip service to respecting the ICC's ongoing process—which has now named Senators Bong Go and Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa as co-perpetrators alongside Duterte—this stance reeks of political expediency and a profound disconnect from the harsh realities of seeking justice in a system riddled with corruption and impunity.

Let's be clear: Aquino's position isn't just naive; it's insulting to the thousands of families who have waited nearly a decade for accountability. Former Senator Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV, who has been at the forefront of documenting these atrocities, didn't mince words in his response. In a pointed X post, Trillanes revealed that during the 2022 campaign, Aquino and allies of then-Vice President Leni Robredo assured him they would not extradite Duterte to The Hague even if an ICC warrant were issued.Trillanes, who filed cases, protected witnesses, and gathered evidence, called out the hypocrisy: "This is personal to us... Siyam na taon ang inantay ng mga pamilya ng mga biktima habang ang mga nagbibida-bida ngayon na may malasakit kuno sa mga biktima ay wala namang ginawa nung kasagsagan ng EJK.

Trillanes' challenge cuts to the core: If Aquino truly believes in local prosecution, why didn't he file charges against Duterte and his accomplices in Philippine courts back when the killings were rampant? The answer is glaring—because the Philippine justice system is "far from ideal," as Trillanes aptly noted, especially for the powerful.Aquino's "ideally" qualifier is a weak hedge, but it doesn't mask the insensitivity. Is this just a bid to appeal to Duterte's die-hard supporters (DDS) at the expense of those who sacrificed for justice? As Trillanes put it, "Pa-pogi lang sa mga DDS... That's so insensitive and so unfair.

Supporters of Aquino might point to Republic Act No. 9851, enacted in 2009, as evidence that the Philippines is equipped to handle such crimes. This law defines and penalizes war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, asserts jurisdiction over acts committed in the country or involving Filipinos, and holds that no one—not even a head of state—is above accountability. It even establishes special courts and victim protections. On paper, it's a robust framework aligning with international humanitarian law.

But reality tells a different story. RA 9851 has been in effect since 2010, yet where are the prosecutions for the over 6,000 acknowledged EJKs under Duterte? The law's noble intentions crumble under the weight of a judiciary influenced by political alliances and oligarchic interests. Duterte's regime openly bragged about the killings, and his allies still hold sway in government. Trying these cases locally would be like asking the fox to guard the henhouse—victims' families know all too well that powerful figures can buy, intimidate, or evade justice here. The ICC's involvement isn't a slight to Philippine sovereignty; it's a necessary lifeline when domestic mechanisms fail spectacularly.

Aquino's comments come at a time when the ICC is ramping up its probe, confirming charges against Duterte and his inner circle. By downplaying the need for international intervention, he undermines the efforts of activists, lawyers, and families who turned to The Hague precisely because local options were exhausted or corrupted. It's telling that during the height of the drug war, figures like Aquino—now posturing as concerned—did little to stem the bloodshed or push for immediate local accountability.

Senator Aquino, as Trillanes urged, "mag research at magbasa ka naman!" Read the room, study the history of failed prosecutions in corrupt systems, and listen to the victims instead of offering platitudes that protect the perpetrators. Justice for EJK victims demands more than "ideal" scenarios; it requires real action, and that starts with supporting the ICC's pursuit without reservation. Anything less is a betrayal of the very principles RA 9851 was meant to uphold. The families deserve better than political gamesmanship—they deserve truth, accountability, and closure, wherever it can be found.


(TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada) #AntonioTrillanes #BamAquino #SonnyTrillanes #EJK #FPRRD #VPSaraDuterte #ICC #JusticeForEJKVictims #PCO #RA9851 #supremecourtph
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