Months after the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, speakers from different sectors rejected the idea that the pursuit of justice targets specific individuals.

Kabataan Partylist-Southern Mindanao Region (KPL–SMR) Chairperson Cobbie Jan Canda denounced the accusations of purposeful attacks, expressing solidarity with the call for government accountability.

“We are [not] attacking the Dabawenyos… When we seek justice and accountability, that is to put the people who have abused their power for years on end to justice and accountability,” Canda said.

During the forum at around 4:00 PM, the Supreme Court (SC) released a decision declaring the impeachment complaint against the Vice President unconstitutional for violating the “one-year rule,” specifying that new complaints may only be filed starting February 6, 2026. 

Ateneo de Davao College of Law professor Atty. Angelisa Razo stressed that impeachment trials are avenues for transparency, especially given concerns over VP Sara’s confidential funds.

“Ang kaning impeachment, dili mani siya targeted gyud sa individual. Kung dili mao nang court would proceed dapat unta kay para mahibal-an sa mga katawhan unsa man gyud ning nahitabo diay sa kaban ng bayan,” she asserted.

Razo also advocated for the nation’s rejoining to ICC to provide victims with formal channels for participation, protection, reparations, and symbolic recognition. 

“Kung tinuod o sinsero ang kanyang (President Ferdinand Marcos) pagsuporta sa human rights ug accountability, ang pinaka-klaro na pamaagi para ipakita kini mao ang pagbalik sa Pilipinas na miyembro sa ICC.”

She pointed out that due to insufficient action from country’s high-ranking officials, external mechanisms like the ICC are needed to intervene in high-profile cases.

“Wala naman na-indict na high-ranking officials ng violation ng crimes against humanity… Yung mga na-file an ng kaso…yung mga activists, yung mga political prisoners, yun lang yung may kaso ng violation of crimes against humanity,” Razo explained.

Meanwhile, United Methodist Church Rev. Julius Camanong, previously accused under false charges of “financing terrorism,” discussed how Anti-Terror Law has been weaponized even against clerics under the guise of counter-insurgency.

“Tumutulong ka na sa kapwa mo, naging terorista ka pa,” he emphasized. 

Despite facing unfounded allegations, Camanong underscored the importance of continuing to stand for the nation’s welfare, especially in defending human rights.

“Patuloy pa rin tayong manindigan sa ikabubuti ng ating bansa, lalo na sa karapatan ng tao dahil bilang mga taong simbahan, the Church is the conscience of the society.”

The forum, organized by the South East Mindanao Regional Ecumenical Council (SEMREC) in partnership with Konsensya Dabaw, took place on July 25 at the 7th Floor CCFC Building, Ateneo de Davao University.