Malacañang said the transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague was carried out in accordance with the law, rejecting claims that he was “kidnapped.”
The Palace issued the statement after Duterte signed a waiver saying he would not attend his confirmation hearing. In the document, he said he does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and claimed he was taken against his will. He also alleged that public funds were used to charter the private jet that brought him to The Hague.
During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government’s actions were anchored on Section 17 of Republic Act 9851. She said the law allows the government to let a case proceed before an international tribunal if it is already being heard there.
Castro said it is clear under the law that the government may allow proceedings to continue before an international court under certain conditions. She added that authorities also coordinated with Interpol in connection with the matter.
The Palace further explained that the Philippines has what it called a residual obligation tied to the period when the country was still a member of the International Criminal Court.
Castro said that while the government does not recognize the ICC’s current jurisdiction, the situation may differ if the alleged acts occurred when the Philippines was still covered by the court’s authority.
Malacañang maintained that the steps taken by the government were legal and consistent with existing laws and international commitments.
