CHECKMATE: WHETHER THE PRESIDENT GAVE THE ORDER OR THEY DENY IT

Opinion

CHECKMATE: WHETHER THE PRESIDENT GAVE THE ORDER OR THEY DENY IT
By Rob Rances

This is not an expert legal opinion.
I’m not a lawyer. I’m just a Filipino citizen asking questions.
In the last Senate hearing, the most crucial question was carefully avoided:
“Who gave the final order to forcibly board former President Duterte onto that plane?”
Let’s cut through the noise.
Whether they admit that the President gave the order, or they deny it—it is already checkmate.

SCENARIO 1: THE PRESIDENT GAVE THE ORDER
Then this becomes a constitutional and sovereignty issue at the highest level.

• The Philippines is no longer part of the ICC.
• There is no extradition treaty.
• There has been no court order presented to the public.
  IF the President gave the green light without judicial authority, without transparency, and without clear legal grounds, could that amount to a betrayal of constitutional duty, possibly even treason?
  And IF he gave the order while denying it to the public, is the the deception itself a breach of trust?
  That’s not leadership. That’s a cover-up.

• SCENARIO 2: THE PRESIDENT DID NOT GIVE THE ORDER
  Then who did?
  Does the law prevent any agency—DOJ, DFA, AFP, NBI—from surrendering a former president to a foreign court without the Commander-in-Chief’s knowledge or approval?
  IF someone else acted in his place, does that mean that the country is dealing with a rogue operation within government—a breach of chain of command, a hijacking of state authority?
  That’s even more alarming.
  And IF this was done quietly, in the shadows, with no documentation, no accountability, no law invoked—then it wasn’t just unlawful. It was unconstitutional.
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  IS IT CHECKMATE?
  Perhaps, but not for the people—it’s for the government’s “surrender” narrative.
  So we ask:
  Did the President exercise a power he did not have? Or…
  Did someone else exercise his power without consent?
  Either way, our sovereignty was compromised, and someone is hoping we stop asking.
  But we won’t.
  Because this isn’t just about Duterte.
  This is about the rule of law, the integrity of our government, and the future of our democracy.
  So, if the truth isn’t exposed, does that mean no Filipino is safe from political surrender?
  Again, this is not an expert legal opinion.
  I’m not a lawyer. I’m just a Filipino citizen asking questions.
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  Disclaimer:
  This opinion piece is written in the exercise of the author’s constitutional right to freedom of expression and responsible commentary, as protected under Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and international human rights standards on free speech. The views and analysis presented herein are based on publicly observable events, news reports, and socio-political developments, and are not intended to malign, defame, or accuse any individual or institution of unlawful conduct. Any references to public officials or entities are made in the context of public interest, fair commentary, and civic discourse. Readers are encouraged to think critically, verify information independently, and engage respectfully. This content does not assert fact where opinion is stated, and any perceived interpretation should be taken as part of a democratic dialogue—not a legal accusation.

(Editor’s Note: Mr. Rances is Asia’s First Master Neuroplastician and Philippines’ Pioneer in Brain Capital & The Brain Economy)