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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Davao City Council urges ICC to release FPRRD

Davao City Council urges ICC to release FPRRD

Published Jul 16, 2025 02:03 pm
DUTERTE
DUTERTE
DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Council adopted a resolution on Tuesday, July 15, supporting a request to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, to release and repatriate former President Rodrigo Duterte here, citing humanitarian, judicial, and jurisdictional grounds.
The resolution, passed during a privilege speech by Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, head of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriations, urged the ICC to consider either a temporary or permanent release of the former President.
Dayanghirang’s proposal during the city council’s third regular session was filed after Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano submitted a resolution last week asking the Philippine government to advocate for former President Duterte’s interim release.
Cayetano’s proposal seeks, among others, an arrangement with the ICC for the elder Duterte’s custody to be transferred here under a form of house arrest, modified house arrest, or any appropriate arrangement deemed suitable by the Court.
Former President Duterte has been in the ICC for four months following his arrest on March 11, upon his return from Hong Kong, for alleged crimes against humanity during the previous administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Dayanghirang said that, though the resolution carries no legal weight over international judicial proceedings, they will still forward the document to the ICC through former President Duterte’s legal team. He added that the city council can only pass a resolution of expression.
The resolution emphasized that the country formally withdrew from the ICC on March 17, 2019, exactly one year after revoking its ratification of the Rome Statute, thereby severing ties with the international tribunal.
Dayanghirang also cited the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which upholds the nation’s sovereignty and affirms that the Philippine justice system is functioning and effective, thus, negating the jurisdiction of the ICC over the Philippines.
He added that despite the Duterte patriarch’s physical absence during the May 2025 elections, he earned a landslide victory, securing his position as mayor of the city. Therefore, they should afford him full respect, protection, and due process of law.
Dayanghirang cited the former Chief Executive’s current age and health situation in detention, which requires immediate and appropriate humanitarian consideration.
Supporters and allies of former President Duterte are stepping up both public and diplomatic efforts for his release, citing concerns over his health and safety while in detention.
“This is our way of making our voices heard. What matters is that he be allowed to return to his hometown, here in Davao City,” Dayanghirang said during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos forum at the Councilors’ Lounge at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Dayanghirang stressed that the city council’s appeal goes beyond legal arguments, highlighting what he described as a moral obligation for Davaoeños to stand behind a leader who served their city for over two decades.
The resolution is part of a broader campaign here to defend former President Duterte’s right to remain in his hometown, amid growing criticism from his supporters over the ICC’s actions.
Many in this city regard the international tribunal’s proceedings as a challenge to the Philippine sovereignty and a threat to former President Duterte’s legacy as a long-serving mayor and national leader.
While the resolution lacks formal influence over the ICC, Dayanghirang believes that it is widely viewed as a strong symbolic gesture of solidarity and loyalty from Davao City’s local government and its constituents.

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Davao City President Duterte ICC Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang
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