The International Criminal Court (ICC) denied former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for temporary release, citing the potential influence of his children, Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte.
The ICC stated that public remarks from Duterte’s children affected the court’s assessment of his flight risk. The decision follows concerns about Duterte’s access to political and financial resources that could aid in avoiding prosecution.
Duterte faces charges linked to the government’s anti-drug campaign during his presidency. The ICC ruled that releasing Duterte could compromise the integrity of the ongoing proceedings.
Duterte’s legal team announced plans to appeal the ruling, claiming that detention limits his ability to prepare for trial. The ICC reaffirmed that its primary responsibility is to protect the fairness and continuity of the judicial process.