WINELKAM ni House Deputy Minority Leader at Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila M. de Lima nitong Biyernes ang desisyon ng International Criminal Court (ICC) na tanggihan ang jurisdiction challenge ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo R. Duterte, at tinawag itong “most welcome” at “most just” na hakbang tungo sa katarungan at pananagutan para sa bansa.

“We are closer to justice and accountability with this decision,” pahayag ni De Lima.

“The decision of the ICC PTC on the issue of jurisdiction over the EJKs committed by the DDS in Davao and by the Duterte Admin during the drug war is most welcome as it is most just,” dagdag pa ni De Lima.

Binigyang-diin ng dating justice secretary ang kahalagahan ng pagpapatuloy ng imbestigasyon ng ICC sa mga umano’y extrajudicial killings na may kaugnayan sa Davao Death Squad (DDS) at kampanya kontra droga ng administrasyong Duterte.

Dagdag pa ni De Lima, bagama’t inaasahang aapela si Duterte sa ICC Appeals Chamber, malabong magtagumpay ang hakbang na ito.

“Of course, Duterte will appeal this decision to the Appeals Chamber, but it is already a lost cause for him,” aniya.

Tinukoy rin ni De Lima ang mga naunang kabiguan ni Duterte sa ICC: “After the rejection of his plea for interim release and now this, soon the PTC will likewise dismiss his move to suspend his trial on his bogus claim of mental incapacity.”

Binigyang-diin niya na ang mga proseso sa ICC ay magbibigay kay Duterte ng pagkakataong ipagtanggol ang sarili sa isang patas at transparent na paglilitis.

“The sooner the trial, the better for all concerned, including Duterte himself who will be able to finally present his defense as he himself repeatedly said he will squarely face the accusations against him,” sinabi ni De Lima.