House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, together with ACT Teachers Party-list Representative-elect Antonio Tinio, strongly opposed the petition for the interim release of former President Rodrigo Duterte from the International Criminal Court’s Scheveningen Detention Facility, warning that the former president remains a clear and present danger to victims, witnesses, and the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
“Duterte remains dangerous even if he is abroad. He can continue to threaten victims, intimidate witnesses, and sow disinformation campaigns that could undermine the ICC proceedings,” Rep. Castro stated. “As Makabayan representatives, both current and incoming, we must strongly oppose this application and expose the political machinations behind it.”
“Hindi dapat payagan ang pansamantalang paglaya ni Duterte. Kahit saan man siya ilagay sa mundo, patuloy siyang magiging banta sa mga biktima ng kanyang mga krimen laban sa sangkatauhan,” Castro added.
Representative-elect Tinio pointed to the suspicious timing and circumstances surrounding the petition, particularly the recent foreign travels of Duterte family members and allies.
“It seems that this is the reason behind VP Sara Duterte and Rep. Paolo Duterte’s frequent trips abroad – they are scouting and negotiating with countries to take custody of this massive human rights violator,” Tinio observed. “The pattern is clear: while Duterte’s legal team files for interim release, his family members are conducting clandestine missions to secure a host country.”
The Makabayan lawmakers called on the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber to carefully consider the security implications of granting interim release to someone with Duterte’s track record of violence and intimidation.
“The ICC must prioritize the safety and security of victims and witnesses over the convenience of the accused. Duterte’s history of silencing critics, eliminating witnesses, and using state resources to threaten opponents makes him uniquely unqualified for interim release under any circumstances,” Castro concluded.
“We urge victims’ groups, human rights organizations, and all advocates for justice to actively oppose this petition before the ICC. Hindi dapat magtagumpay ang mga Duterte sa kanilang pagtatangkang makatakas sa hustisya,” Tinio ended.#
