Malacañang said it will not intervene in the decision of former president Rodrigo Duterte to skip his pre-trial detention hearing before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed that attending the hearing is solely Duterte’s decision.
“Ang Pangulo po kasi at ang administrasyon na ito ay hindi po makikialam sa nasabing hearing. Kung ang nais po ng dating Pangulong Duterte ay hindi magpakita sa taumbayan, kaniya pong desisyon iyan (The President and this administration will not intervene in the said hearing. If the former President does not want to appear before the public, that is his decision),” Castro said.
“At kung ito naman po ay naresolba ng ICC na payagan siya na huwag magpakita at hindi maging present sa kaniyang sariling hearing, igagalang po natin iyan (If the ICC has resolved to allow him not to appear and not be present at his own hearing, we will respect that),” she added.
In a four-page ruling, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I approved Duterte’s written request dated February 23, waiving his right to attend the annual hearing on his detention.
The 80-year-old former president is facing crimes against humanity charges linked to his anti-drug campaign.