Malacañang on Thursday said it respects the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision affirming crimes against humanity charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte, emphasizing the need for justice for both the accused and alleged victims.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government recognizes the significance of the ruling and stressed that the legal process should determine accountability.
“Hustisya ang kailangan makuha sa mga kasong ito. Parehong partido ang makikinabang rito—hustisya para sa akusado kung walang sala, o hustisya para sa mga biktima kung naabuso ang kanilang karapatan,” Castro said.
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I earlier affirmed the charges against Duterte in connection with killings linked to his anti-drug campaign during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president. The tribunal also directed its registrar to forward the confirmation of charges and records of the proceedings.
Castro clarified that the Philippine government’s actions involving Duterte were carried out in coordination with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), not in compliance with an ICC directive.
“Ang pagpapadala kay dating Pangulong Duterte ay hindi para tugunan ang utos ng ICC. Ito ay nakabatay sa ating batas at sa ating ugnayan sa Interpol,” she said.
The Duterte camp has maintained that the ICC no longer has jurisdiction over the Philippines following its withdrawal from the Rome Statute during the previous administration.
Castro said discussions are ongoing on the possibility of the Philippines rejoining the ICC.
She also responded to criticism from Duterte’s legal counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, urging him to focus on current developments rather than past issues.