Malacañang said the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision confirming all charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte will allow justice to be served for both the accused and the alleged victims of the drug war.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 confirmed all charges against Duterte in a 50-page decision released on Thursday, April 23.

In a text message to reporters, Castro said the Palace respects the ruling, emphasizing that the proceedings should ultimately establish the truth.

“We respect the ruling of the ICC that confirms all charges of crimes against humanity against the former President Duterte,” she said.

The Palace Press Officer stressed that the outcome of the case should benefit all parties involved, depending on what is proven in court.

“Hustisya ang kailangang makuha sa mga kasong ito. Parehong partido ang makikinabang rito (Justice must be obtained in these cases. Both parties will benefit),” she said.

“Hustisya para sa akusado kung walang sala, o hustisya rin sa mga biktima kung naabuso naman ang kanilang karapatan (It’s justice for the accused if he is innocent, or justice for the victims if their rights were abused),” she added.

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor, for its part, welcomed the Pre-Trial Chamber’s decision, describing it as a major step toward accountability.

It said the confirmation of charges reflects the “strength and depth” of its investigation and evidentiary record.

The prosecution noted that the ruling affirms there are substantial grounds to believe Duterte bears responsibility for crimes against humanity linked to the so-called war on drugs.

The ICC prosecutor said the development marks a “significant milestone” in efforts to secure justice for victims of alleged extrajudicial killings and other abuses.

It added that the case will now move to a Trial Chamber, which will determine the next steps and timeline for the proceedings.

The Office of the Prosecutor reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice for victims and affected communities.

It said it would continue to take “all necessary steps” to ensure accountability is achieved without delay.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber confirmed all charges against Duterte on April 23, 2026, following hearings held from February 23 to 27.

The ruling means the case will proceed to trial, where Duterte’s guilt or innocence will be determined.

The former president faces allegations of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, in connection with his administration’s anti-drug campaign.