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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Rep. Paolo Duterte twits ICC as hearing begins

Rep. Paolo Duterte twits ICC as hearing begins

Published Feb 23, 2026 10:17 pm
FORMER President Duterte (AP)
FORMER President Duterte (AP)
DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte criticized the International Criminal Court on Monday as it started the confirmation of charges hearing against his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague, Netherlands.
Rep. Duterte questioned the tribunal’s jurisdiction and accused the ICC of political bias.
In a statement on his official Facebook page, Rep. Duterte said the ICC would “pretend it is dispensing justice” through the proceedings. He said the court no longer has authority after the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019.
“If justice is truly what they seek, they should first ask whether they have jurisdiction over the matter,” former President Duterte’s eldest son said. “Apparently, sovereignty is optional to the ICC.”
Rep. Duterte said Philippine sovereignty should not be treated as “optional” and said that the ICC selectively targets leaders who refuse to align with Western interests.
The lawmaker rejected allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his father’s anti-drug campaign and asked if suppressing criminality could be equated with such charges.
“So, suppressing criminality in one’s own country is now considered a crime against humanity?” he said.
Rep. Duterte accused the ICC of ignoring Filipinos who, he said, felt safer during his father’s presidency. He also alleged double standards in the international community’s handling of other incidents and leaders.
“Former President Duterte did not govern for foreign approval. He governed for Filipinos—especially those who lived in fear long before air-conditioned courtrooms started moralizing from thousands of kilometers away,” he said.
The lawmaker claimed that his father was being treated as a hostage over his siblings’ – Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte – political plans.
He dismissed speculations of foreign involvement, including from the United States and the Central Intelligence Agency.
“This hearing will not change history,” Rep. Duterte said. “It will not erase the mandate given by the Filipino people.”
Rep. Duterte maintained that the proceedings would not intimidate supporters of the former President and stressed that Philippine sovereignty “is not up for confirmation.”
PPP party-list Rep. Harold Duterte expressed support for former President Duterte and said the case against the former Chief Executive is politically motivated.
“Today is not about accountability. Today is not about victims or justice. Today is about politics, plain and simple,” Harold said.
Harold defended the former Chief Executive’s record, saying he led the country at a time when illegal drugs were widespread. “Sadly, drugs appear to be a problem at the highest levels now,” he added.
The lawmaker said that the former President has become a scapegoat for unresolved national issues. Harold said that none of the country’s problems were resolved by what he described as former President Duterte’s “illegal surrender.”
Harold said supporters remain hopeful that the former President will eventually return to the country.
“As the ICC proceeds with the case, we have no choice but to continue hoping and praying that PRRD will still be able to come home to the Philippines someday,” he said.

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ICC Rep. Paolo Duterte President Duterte Davao City
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