Former Vice President Leni Robredo has drawn a stark comparison between the detention of former Senator Leila de Lima and that of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Speaking at a press conference in Naga City, Robredo highlighted the perceived differences in their treatment, particularly concerning due process and detention conditions.
She emphasized that De Lima, despite facing what she described as unjust accusations, never questioned the due process and faced all charges head-on.
Robredo further stated that reports indicate Duterte is being well-treated, with access to a computer, an amenity denied to De Lima during her imprisonment.
She also noted that Duterte is reportedly allowed conjugal and family visits while in ICC custody, a stark contrast to De Lima’s experience, where she had only an electric fan and no computer access.
Robredo recalled that De Lima, even as a sitting senator at the time of her arrest, was forced to write official documents by hand during her detention.
She also mentioned the hostage incident involving De Lima within her detention facility, which placed her life in significant danger.
The former Vice President’s remarks come amidst complaints from Duterte’s camp regarding the lack of due process in his arrest.
De Lima was detained for nearly seven years at Camp Crame on allegations of involvement in the illegal drug trade, charges that were eventually dismissed.
Duterte was arrested on Tuesday, March 11, under an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity related to killings during his administration’s war on drugs.
He is currently detained at the ICC detention facility in Scheveningen, The Hague, Netherlands, awaiting his pre-trial hearing scheduled for September 23, 2025.