The International Criminal Court (ICC) reiterated that it maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed in the Philippines from 2011 to 2019—before the country formally exited the Rome Statute.
In an interview with GMA Integrated News, ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah clarified that the Philippines’ 2019 withdrawal does not exempt it from accountability for alleged crimes committed while it was a state party.
“Withdrawal affects only future obligations,” Abdallah emphasized. “Any crimes committed while the country was a member remain under ICC jurisdiction.”
Regarding the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Abdallah noted that challenges to its legality can be raised in court. “Judges will decide if any issue regarding the lawfulness of arrest is presented,” he said.
He explained that surrendering a defendant to the ICC is based on national law. In the Philippines’ case, the Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the government must cooperate with ICC proceedings that began prior to the withdrawal.
Duterte was arrested on March 11 under an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s war on drugs. He was flown to The Hague and is currently detained at the Scheveningen Prison. The former president faced the ICC via video link on March 14, where the court presented him with the charges and informed him of his rights.
The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025.