Malacañang casts doubt on conditions of Duterte’s ICC release bid

Metro Manila, Philippines - Malacañang on Friday expressed skepticism over former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release from detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC), warning that the commitments made in the petition should not end up as empty promises.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Duterte’s defense team should follow through on the conditions they proposed, including assurances that the former president will not flee, obstruct proceedings, or commit further crimes.

“Sana lang po ay mapaniwala nila iyong mga ICC judges, at huwag nilang masabi later na ang kanilang mga ipinangako… ay masabing nagbibiro lang sila katulad nang nangyari sa pangako sa jetski,” Castro said.

[Translation: Hopefully they can convince the ICC judges, and they don’t end up saying that their promises… were just a joke, like the jetski promise.]

Castro was referring to Duterte’s 2016 campaign vow to ride a jetski to assert the country’s claims in the West Philippine Sea — a statement he later said was made “in jest.”

The Palace official noted that the defense team’s own filing mentioned Duterte “would not continue to commit crimes,” which she said could raise questions.

“In one way or another, the counsel admitted that the former resident had committed such crimes, just a question, because they will include that in their motion or petition,” Castro said.

Despite the Palace’s remarks, the undersecretary clarified that Malacañang respects the authority of the ICC and will abide by whatever decision the court renders on Duterte’s request.

“Nasa ICC na po kasi iyan, nasa kamay na po ng ICC kung ano po ang kanilang magiging desisyon or resolution on that matter,” she said.

[Translation: That matter now rests with the ICC; it’s in their hands what their decision or resolution will be.]

On June 12, Duterte’s lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, submitted an “Urgent Request for Interim Release” to ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I. The motion cited assurances that the former president is not a flight risk, will comply with all restrictions, and would not pose a danger to victims, witnesses, or the proceedings.

The defense said that an undisclosed state party to the Rome Statute has agreed to receive Duterte on its territory under strict terms to be imposed by the Court. The country, unnamed in the redacted version of the filing, reportedly offered to host Duterte in a “stable and suitable environment,” citing his advanced age and unspecified health concerns.

Duterte, 80, has been detained at the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague since March 13, 2025. He was arrested upon arrival in Manila on March 11, in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s bloody anti-drug campaign.