Duterte’s arrest could have been avoided if he had maintained a good relationship with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Sec. Larry Gadon.
In an interview, Gadon insisted that Duterte could have faced his cases in local courts instead of being arrested and brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He explained that if a warrant had been issued, the former president could have requested house or hospital arrest and remained in the Philippines.
However, the secretary claimed that Duterte had been hostile toward the Marcos administration, criticizing the president almost daily.
According to Gadon, almost every day, the former president was called ‘high’ and ‘addict,’ and even his supporters joined in the criticisms against the current administration.
Gadon also revealed that he once advised Marcos to file different charges against Duterte, such as murder, so that his trial could take place in Philippine courts.
By doing so, local courts would have jurisdiction over the former president, preventing ICC intervention.
Despite this, Gadon claimed that Duterte’s camp continued their relentless attacks on Marcos, further escalating tensions.
The Marcos administration has maintained that its cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in Duterte’s arrest was part of its commitment as a member state.