MANILA, Philippines–Lawyers representing victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday that a Senate resolution calling for Duterte’s house arrest will not influence the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision on his temporary release.
The Senate resolution proposes placing Duterte under house arrest while he faces scrutiny from the ICC over his administration’s anti-drug campaign. The lawyers argued that the measure serves domestic political interests and does not carry weight in international proceedings.
They added that the resolution may not benefit Duterte in the ICC process, where decisions depend on legal principles and evidence rather than political gestures from national bodies.
Supporters of Duterte in the Senate introduced the resolution in an effort to mitigate potential consequences for the former president. Its filing reflects continuing divisions in the Philippines over Duterte’s legacy and accountability.
The ICC is investigating allegations of human rights violations linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which drew widespread attention during his presidency.
The court has yet to issue a decision on Duterte’s request for temporary release or the possibility of house arrest.
