Bong Go Wants the Supreme Court to Settle the 'Extraordinary Rendition' Question Once and for All — But His ICC Connection Is the Elephant in the Room

Senator Bong Go is calling on the Supreme Court to clear up the legal fog surrounding extraordinary rendition — the controversial practice of surrendering individuals to foreign jurisdictions without standard extradition proceedings. Go expressed support for Senate Resolution 307 during plenary deliberations Tuesday, which urges the Senate to uphold constitutional safeguards on the matter.

Go pointed to "gray areas" in the rules on extradition proceedings issued by the Supreme Court in 2025, particularly regarding state-to-state extradition requests. He wants the judiciary to settle pending petitions to provide clarity for everyone — the executive, legislative, and judicial branches alike.

"We call it co-equal branches here — executive, legislative, and judiciary," Go said. "So once and for all, I hope the judiciary will put an end to this, because they are the final arbiter and can decide that." The resolution doesn't have the force of law but reflects the Senate's collective position.

Here's the context everyone's whispering about: Bong Go has been mentioned in ICC proceedings related to Duterte's alleged crimes against humanity. While Go insists his call for clarity is about protecting every Filipino's right to due process, critics note the timing is convenient — his close ally is currently detained at The Hague.

Go defended himself directly: "All we want is to make sure that every Filipino is protected and that everyone goes through due process." He added that he works "Monday to Sunday" and can't bear sitting in an office while Filipinos need help. Whether this is about constitutional principles or self-preservation, the Supreme Court now has a clear invitation to weigh in.

Source: The Manila Times