Palace Rebukes Duterte's 'Kidnapped' Claim Amid ICC Hearing, Highlighting Global Infamy and Local Popularity

Malacañang has firmly rejected former President Rodrigo Duterte's claim that his potential transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for hearings related to his administration's deadly drug crackdown would constitute 'kidnapping.' The Palace emphasized that any such proceedings are lawful and in compliance with Republic Act No. 9851, which allows the Philippine government to defer to international tribunals for cases already under international investigation. This official statement from Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro comes amidst the ongoing international scrutiny of Duterte's 'war on drugs' and the upcoming ICC confirmation of charges hearing.

Former President Duterte has staunchly refused to recognize the ICC's jurisdiction over him, reiterating his stance ahead of the scheduled February 23-27, 2026 hearings. In a notification dated February 17, Duterte waived his right to appear, whether in person or via video, before the ICC. He further escalated his claims by alleging that his arrest in March 2025 would involve him being 'forcibly pushed into a jet' chartered by the current Philippine administration, framing it as an abduction. He has consistently denied overseeing extrajudicial killings, labeling such accusations as an 'outrageous lie,' and noted that complaints were filed by Filipinos seeking justice abroad.

In response to Duterte's claims and his request to waive attendance, ICC prosecutors, in a February 19 submission, urged Pre-Trial Chamber I to deny his waiver. They argued that Duterte is 'available, fit,' and is required to attend the proceedings in person. The prosecutors dismissed his claims of being 'old, tired, and frail,' along with his kidnapping allegations, as insufficient justification to skip the crucial hearing. The ICC's decision on whether Duterte must personally attend remains pending.

Undersecretary Claire Castro also addressed potential political implications, specifically rejecting any links between the Palace's stance and Vice President Sara Duterte's rumored 2028 presidential bid, despite the possibility of such narratives fueling claims of political persecution. The situation highlights the complex interplay between domestic legal frameworks, international justice, and local political dynamics, with Duterte's significant domestic popularity contrasting sharply with the global accusations of crimes against humanity.