The Davao City council unanimously approved a resolution urging the Philippine Senate to petition the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the interim release of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The resolution, passed three days before Duterte’s 80th birthday, cites Article 60 of the Rome Statute, which allows detained individuals to seek temporary release pending trial. Duterte, who is reportedly in fragile health, is running for mayor of Davao City in the May 12 midterm elections with his son, incumbent Mayor Sebastian Duterte, as his running mate. Majority floor leader Jesus Joseph Zozobrado emphasized that Duterte’s health could improve with timely medication and the comfort of family and friends. During his initial ICC appearance on March 14, Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc noted that Duterte was deemed mentally fit by the court’s doctor. The resolution assures the ICC of compliance with security and administrative requirements, including restricting Duterte’s movements to Davao City. The city council committed to unrestricted ICC monitoring and periodic reporting. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Senate and the ICC through the Department of Foreign Affairs. Duterte was arrested on March 11 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport based on an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his “war on drugs.” The ICC investigation covers alleged extrajudicial killings from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, including his tenure as Davao City mayor. While the Philippine National Police reported around 6,600 deaths during the drug war, human rights groups estimate the toll could be as high as 30,000. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute on March 17, 2019, but the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes alleged before the withdrawal. Article 127 of the Statute ensures that withdrawal does not affect cooperation with ongoing ICC investigations. Duterte maintains that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over alleged crimes in the Philippines following its withdrawal. (Ian Carl Espinosa/MindaNews)
