Former president Rodrigo Duterte (left), ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (PPAB)

Senatorial candidate ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro has advised former president Rodrigo Duterte to "take good care of himself" so that he will be strong enough to face trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This was the Makabayan congresswoman's advanced birthday message to Duterte, who will turn 80 on March 28 while inside the ICC's detention cell at The Hague in the Netherlands. 

"Well sa ating dating presidente, sana po ay magpalakas kayo, maging healthy para maharap ninyo yung inyong kaso, yung trial sa Netherlands (Well, to the former president, I hope you get stronger and become healthy so that you can face your case, the trial in the Netherlands)," Castro said.

"Kailangan niyo pong harapin yun, yung kaso ninyo. Syempre, take good care of yourself po para makamtam din naman ng mamamayan yung kanilang hustisya (You need to face it, your case. Of course, take good care of yourself so that the people may achieve their justice)," she added.

Duterte is facing a charge of crimes against humanity before the United Nations (UN)-backed court in connection with his bloody anti-illegal drugs campaign.

He served as Philippine president from 2016 to 2022. Duterte's overseas trial could take months, if not years. 

The ex-leader made his first appearance in court earlier this month. He is not scheduled to make another appearance until September 2025.