Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 27) — Former President Rodrigo Duterte stands firm on his position to only face local courts in connection with cases linked to his administration’s drug war, his former spokesperson said Friday following the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to resume the probe into the controversial campaign.
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“Former President Duterte reiterates his position that he would never allow foreigners to sit in judgment of him as long as Philippine courts are willing and able to do so,” Atty. Harry Roque said in a statement, adding that Duterte has “shrugged off” the ICC’s latest move.
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“He [Duterte] would humbly submit to the prosecution and judgment of any local court. He is ready to face any of his accusers,” Roque added.
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Duterte launched the war on drugs when he sat in office in 2016. Government data showed over 6,000 people have died in the conduct of the campaign, but human rights groups believe the toll is much higher.
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The ICC suspended its drug war probe in November 2021 following a deferral request from the Philippine government. But the court noted that it was “not satisfied” with developments in the local investigations, prompting the pre-trial chamber to approve the resumption of its own inquiry.
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Echoing the sentiments of Duterte, Roque said he believes the ICC’s move is just a “waste of time and resources.”
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“The ICC should focus instead on the war crimes and crimes against humanity that are actually happening in places like Ukraine and some African countries,” Roque stressed.
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