Senator Imee Marcos on Friday criticized the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to move forward with crimes against humanity charges against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, questioning what she described as selective enforcement and raising concerns over due process.

In a statement dated April 24, Marcos said the recent action by the ICC “raises serious concerns about selectivity and fairness in the exercise of international justice,” suggesting that cases are pursued more aggressively against smaller or less influential states.

“It is difficult to ignore the perception that cases are pursued more aggressively against smaller or less influential states, while more powerful nations remain beyond its reach,” she added.

Her remarks came a day after the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I formally confirmed all charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte, allowing the case to proceed toward a full trial after reviewing evidence linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.

The chamber issued its decision on Thursday, April 23, concluding there were “substantial grounds to believe” Duterte may have committed the alleged crimes during the nationwide crackdown that drew international scrutiny over thousands of killings.

Marcos also raised concerns about how Duterte was handled domestically, warning that any perceived bypassing of constitutional safeguards could undermine public trust in institutions.

“Any action that appears to sidestep constitutional safeguards in order to achieve political ends diminishes public trust in our institutions and weakens the rule of law,” she said.