Camille Naredo

A man holds a portrait of former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he will be appearing, in The Hague on March 14, 2025. Nicolas Tucat, AFP/File

A man holds a portrait of former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he will be appearing, in The Hague on March 14, 2025. Philippine ex-president Rodrigo Duterte was expected to make his first appearance at the International Criminal Court on March 14, to face crimes against humanity charges over his deadly narcotics crackdown. The 79-year-old was set to appear before judges for a short hearing where he is to be informed of the crimes he is alleged to have committed, as well as his rights as a defendant. (Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP)

Article (news)

THE HAGUE

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761494735873AFP__20250314__372B2JW__v1__Preview__NetherlandsPhilippinesJustice.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="A man holds a portrait of former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he will be appearing, in The Hague on March 14, 2025. Nicolas Tucat, AFP/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">A man holds a portrait of former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he will be appearing, in The Hague on March 14, 2025. <em>Nicolas Tucat, AFP/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- The Palace on Sunday asserted the independence of the International Criminal Court, saying that political statements -- even from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself -- will not affect its decisions. </p><p>This was its response when asked to comment on one of the arguments presented by the Defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte in its challenge to jurisdiction before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber, citing an earlier remark by Marcos Jr. who said that his government will not cooperate in its investigation into the bloody drug war.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/24/families-of-drug-war-victims-welcome-icc-ruling-hold-mass-to-seek-justice-for-kin-2032">READ: Families of drug war victims welcome ICC ruling, hold mass to seek justice for kin</a></div><p>Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said that the ICC renders its decisions based on the Rome Statute— the treaty that establishes the ICC&#x27;s governing framework—and not by political remarks. </p><p>&quot;Sa ating pagkakaalam, ang ICC will base its decision, or order, or resolution on the Rome Statute and it will not be guided by the political statements,&quot; Castro said in a press briefing on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here Sunday, October 26. </p><p>&quot;So, kung &#x27;yan po ay kanilang gagamitin, depende na po ito sa ICC kung papaano po ito ie-evaluate pero sa ating pagkakaalam ay hindi po sila sumusunod or hindi po sila nai-influence ng anumang political statements,&quot; she added. </p><p>In a decision made public on October 23, the Chamber rejected the Defense&#x27;s challenge to its jurisdiction, saying that the ICC can exercise its jurisdiction in crimes alleged against Duterte that were committed when the Philippines was a state party to the ICC until its withdrawal, which took effect in March 2019.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/23/icc-rejects-duterte-s-jurisdiction-challenge-2355">READ: ICC rejects Duterte&#x27;s jurisdiction challenge</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/24/icc-decision-in-duterte-case-green-lights-additional-warrants-lawyer-1519">READ: ICC decision in Duterte case green-lights additional warrants - lawyer</a></div><p>The Palace official also asserted the Office of the Ombudsman&#x27;s independence as she weighed in on Ombudsman Jesus Crispin &quot;Boying&quot; Remulla&#x27;s plan to revisit drug war cases during Duterte&#x27;s term. </p><p>&quot;Ang Ombudsman po kasi ay isang independent body, constitutional body so … hindi po nila kailangang mag-report sa Pangulo kung ano po ang gagawin nilang mga aksyon para po sa pagtugis sa mga maaaring may sala na mga public officials,&quot; she said.</p><p>&quot;Kung ano po ang kakailanganing tulong ng Ombudsman sa mga law enforcement agencies to get the—let&#x27;s say data or facts or reports ay &#x27;yun naman po ay ipagkakaloob pero para po ipagpaalam pa ng Pangulo kung ano ang gagawin ng Ombudsman ay hindi po saklaw ng Pangulo ang anumang aksyon ang gagawin ng Ombudsman,&quot; Castro stated.</p>

<p>The Palace on Sunday asserted the independence of the International Criminal Court, saying that political statements -- even from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself -- will not affect its decisions. </p>

The Palace on Sunday asserted the independence of the International Criminal Court, saying that political statements -- even from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself -- will not affect its decisions.

Palace on Duterte's defense citing Marcos Jr.'s remark on jurisdiction issue: ICC not influenced by political takes

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Palace on Duterte's defense citing Marcos Jr.'s remark on jurisdiction issue: ICC not influenced by political takes

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 27, 2025 12:33 AM PHT

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Claire Castro

Ferdinand Marcos Jr

Rodrigo Duterte

International Criminal Court

ICC

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