Senator Robin Padilla has called for the immediate repatriation of former President Rodrigo Duterte from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, but his resolution failed to gain traction in the Senate due to procedural constraints.
Padilla filed the unnumbered resolution on Monday afternoon, urging Duterte’s return to the Philippines for domestic investigation and prosecution, which he framed as essential for promoting “reconciliation and national unity.” He also cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s previous overtures to the Duterte camp as a basis for healing political rifts.
However, the Senate’s Bills and Index Section did not accept the resolution, citing Rule 44 of Senate Rules, which terminates all pending measures upon the closing of a Congress. The 19th Congress adjourned sine die on June 11. Padilla said he intends to refile the measure when the 20th Congress opens on June 30.
The resolution argued that Duterte’s repatriation, similar to how former Congressman Arnulfo Teves Jr. was returned from Timor-Leste despite legal hurdles, would underscore Philippine sovereignty and legal self-determination. Padilla also floated the idea of securing Duterte’s interim release from ICC custody under protective conditions, should full repatriation prove unfeasible.
Duterte was taken into ICC custody on March 11 following his arrival from Hong Kong. He is facing crimes against humanity charges connected to his bloody anti-drug campaign during his presidency. (NINO ACLAN)
