MANILA – The Philippine government on Thursday acknowledged and welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision to move forward with the trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte over alleged crimes against humanity.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Malacañang respects the unanimous finding of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, which affirmed that the charges against Duterte warrant a full trial.
She said the ruling reflects a crucial phase in the pursuit of justice, as it establishes sufficient grounds for the case to be heard in court.
“We recognize the ICC’s decision to confirm the charges. What matters now is that justice is pursued,” Castro said.
She underscored that the legal process will uphold fairness, ensuring that both the defense and the victims are heard.
Castro noted that due process remains essential, as it provides an avenue for determining whether the accusations hold merit.
“The process allows justice to prevail—whether for the accused if cleared, or for the victims if wrongdoing is proven,” she said.
The ICC earlier stated that there are reasonable grounds to believe Duterte was involved in crimes such as murder and attempted murder linked to the anti-drug campaign carried out during his time in office.
The alleged offenses reportedly took place from November 2011 to March 2019 and were described as part of a broader and systematic attack on civilians.
Following the confirmation of charges, the case will proceed to the trial stage, where prosecutors will present evidence to prove the allegations, while the defense will seek to refute them.
Duterte has been under ICC custody in The Hague since March 2025.
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