Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero stood firm on Wednesday, maintaining that Philippine sovereignty was not compromised following the arrest and eventual “surrender” of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Escudero emphasized that under existing laws, individuals accused of crimes against humanity can be brought before the international court.
“Una mga Pilipino ang nagsampa ng kaso sa ICC [at] hindi mga dayuhan. Pilipino rin ang nag desisyon na gawin ito. Wala namang dayuhan na nanghimasok doon, wala namang pending na kaso rito laban kay former president Duterte para sabihin mong tinanggalan natin ang jurisdiction ang pilipinong huwes at ipinasa natin sa dayuhan dahil nga walang pending case,” said Escudero.
READ: Duterte’s ICC arrest: Separating fact from lies
In the case of Duterte, Escudero said it was the “victims’ families” that had chosen the venue to meet their desired justice.
“So wala akong nakikitang pag agaw ng hurisdiksyon ng korte sa Pilipinas kaugnay sa isyu at bagay na ito. Sangayon sa batas na umiiral sa atin, pwedeng dalhin ang sinumang akusado sa international court kaugnay ng crimes against humanity. Yan ay batas pa rin na umiiral lalo na kung wala namang pending na kaso rito sa kanya,” he explained.
The former president was arrested on March 11, 2025, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his return from Hong Kong based on a warrant issued by the ICC, charging him with crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign during his presidency.
READ: Points of contention: Int’l law experts’ views on Duterte ICC case
Shortly after his arrest, Duterte was transported to The Hague, Netherlands, to face the charges before the international court.