Former president Rodrigo Duterte attends his pre-trial hearing online in The Hague, Netherlands on Friday (March 14, 2025). Salvador Medialdea, his executive secretary when he was the president, personally went before the International Criminal Court as legal counsel. (Photo courtesy of ICC)
The Philippine government will not intervene as former President Rodrigo Duterte and his camp prepare their defense against charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC), Malacañang announced on Saturday.
The ICC has scheduled a confirmation of charges hearing on September 23 to allow Duterte and other involved parties sufficient time to prepare for the pre-trial process and to uphold his right to a timely trial.
“This is the period where he will truly focus on preparing his defense. If he has witnesses, he can summon them and have them provide statements or affidavits,” said Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro during an interview with dwAR.
She reaffirmed that the Philippine government had extended necessary assistance to Duterte, including medical services and a “care package,” following his arrest at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Tuesday. Duterte was subsequently transported to The Hague, Netherlands, where the ICC proceedings will take place.
However, Castro clarified that the government would not cover the travel expenses of Duterte’s witnesses, emphasizing that his camp has the capability to arrange their own legal defense. She noted that some of Duterte’s allies, such as former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Senator Robin Padilla, had already traveled to The Hague using personal funds.
“I believe they are fully capable of handling this. They will make their own preparations, and the government will not interfere in any way with their defense strategy,” she stated.
Castro also revealed that Duterte’s case was not a topic of discussion during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s meeting on Friday.
Meanwhile, she explained that while the Philippine embassy in the Netherlands may offer some assistance to Duterte, such support would not be obligatory. Nevertheless, the government intends to closely monitor developments in the case to keep the public informed.
“We will continue to follow this case closely to ensure that the public remains updated on the hearing’s progress,” Castro assured.
She further urged the public to be cautious of misinformation, warning against the spread of fake news following Duterte’s arrest.
Duterte is facing ICC charges related to crimes against humanity, specifically the murder of 19 alleged drug offenders between 2011 and 2016 during his tenure as mayor of Davao City. Additionally, he is suspected of involvement in the deaths of 245 more drug suspects during his presidency from 2016 until the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC, which took effect on March 17, 2018.