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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace respects ICC move allowing Duterte to skip hearing; return to Rome Statute not a priority

Palace respects ICC move allowing Duterte to skip hearing; return to Rome Statute not a priority

Published Feb 26, 2026 02:26 pm
Former president Rodrigo Duterte (ICC Photos)
Former president Rodrigo Duterte (ICC Photos)
Malacañang said it respects the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to grant former president Rodrigo Duterte’s request to skip his scheduled detention hearing, reiterating that the Marcos administration will not interfere in the proceedings.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Feb. 26, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government would not meddle in the former president’s case before the ICC.
“Ang Pangulo po kasi at ang administrasyon na ito ay hindi po makikialam sa nasabing hearing (The President and this administration will not interfere in the proceedings),” she said.
“Kung ang nais po ng dating Pangulong Duterte ay hindi magpakita sa taumbayan, kaniya pong desisyon iyan (So if the former president doesn’t want to show himself in public, that’s his choice),” she added.
Castro noted that since the ICC allowed Duterte’s absence, the government would respect that ruling.
“Kung ito naman po ay naresolba ng ICC na payagan siya na huwag magpakita at hindi maging present sa kaniyang sariling hearing, igagalang po natin iyan (If the ICC allowed the former president to be absent in his own hearing, we respect that decision),” she added.

No talks yet on ICC return

Meanwhile, asked whether the administration is considering rejoining the ICC and returning to the Rome Statute, Castro said the matter has not been recently discussed with President Marcos.
“Sa ngayon, hindi po natin nakausap ang Pangulo patungkol sa ICC (We haven’t talked to the President about it),” she said.
“Hindi pa po napag-uusapan, hindi pa po nabibigyan ng prayoridad ang nasabing usapin kung babalik sa ICC ang ating bansa (It’s not being discussed — returning to the ICC is not a priority),” she added.
The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s administration, although the tribunal maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.
Duterte, arrested in March 2025, is currently facing proceedings before the ICC in connection with alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.

Related Tags

ICC Claire Castro Rodrigo Duterte President Duterte
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