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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace: ICC ruling does not define Philippines' actions on Duterte case

Palace: ICC ruling does not define Philippines' actions on Duterte case

Published Apr 23, 2026 01:45 pm
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and former president Rodrigo Duterte (RTVM/ICC)
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and former president Rodrigo Duterte (RTVM/ICC)

Malacañang said the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber’s ruling affirming jurisdiction over former president Rodrigo Duterte does not define or dictate the Philippine government’s actions in the case.

In her press briefing on Thursday, April 23, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed that Duterte’s transfer to The Hague was not done to comply with the ICC.

“Ang pagpapadala po kay dating Pangulong Duterte ay hindi naman po para tugunan ang utos ng ICC (The transfer of former President Duterte was not to comply with an ICC order),” she said when asked if the Palace views the ruling as validating the government’s compliance with international obligations.

Castro explained that the move was based on Philippine laws and international obligations through law enforcement channels.

“Ito po ay nababatay sa ating batas at sa ating relasyon sa Interpol (This is based on our laws and our relationship with Interpol),” she added.

Castro’s statement came after the ICC Appeals Chamber upheld its jurisdiction over Duterte, saying the Court can still act on alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member.

The Palace, however, maintained that its actions were independent of the ICC ruling.

Castro also pushed back against remarks by Duterte’s defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, who earlier questioned the Marcos administration’s position on ICC jurisdiction.

“Pakisabi po kay Atty. Kaufman, huwag mabuhay sa nakaraan (Tell Atty. Kaufman not to live in the past),” she said.

No ICC reentry for now

The Palace also reiterated that the Philippines is not considering rejoining the ICC at this time.

Castro said the President has already made his position clear on the matter.

“Hindi pa po ngayon magre-rejoin sa ICC (We are not rejoining the ICC for now),” she said.

Some groups have urged the government to return to the ICC, saying it would strengthen accountability mechanisms and safeguard against abuses.

The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019 during the time of former president Duterte.

Related Tags

Claire Castro President Duterte Rodrigo Duterte ICC International Criminal Court
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