As proceedings continue at the International Criminal Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber I, Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte challenged the legitimacy of the case against his father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
In a statement released Monday, the congressman cast doubt on the tribunal’s authority to conduct a confirmation of charges hearing scheduled from February 23 to 28. “(From) February 23 (to February) 28, the International Criminal Court will once more pretend it is dispensing justice—this time through a so-called ‘confirmation of charges’ hearing against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. If it is justice that they are after, they should have asked themselves first—do they have jurisdiction?” he said.
He cited the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute, which took effect on March 17, 2019 during his father’s presidency. “(The) last time we checked, the Philippines already left the Rome Statute. But apparently, at the ICC, sovereignty is optional, depending on who is the target. I don’t believe in the ICC, because it is a court that reeks of politics,” he added.
The younger Duterte further alleged that foreign interests were driving the case, claiming that his father’s situation was linked to Vice President Sara Duterte’s declared plan to run for president in 2028. “Former President Duterte did not govern for foreign approval. He governed for Filipinos—especially those who lived in fear long before air-conditioned courtrooms started moralizing from thousands of kilometers away,” he said.
Outside the courtroom, reactions in parts of Mindanao reflected contrasting political views. For some advocates seeking accountability over the drug war, the opening of the hearings marked a step toward legal reckoning.
Pat Jared Pangantihon, a climate justice advocate in Northern Mindanao, pointed to the prosecution’s presentation. “The playing of the video clips where Duterte openly admits to having a hand in the extrajudicial killings… blatantly shows a person who sees himself above and beyond the law,” he said.
Fr. Raymond Ambray of the Save Our Schools Network described the proceedings as significant for marginalized communities. “For indigenous peoples, the ICC proceedings signify that state power is not beyond accountability—and they strengthen our demand for justice for communities harmed by Duterte’s militarist policies,” he said. “Accountability for Duterte strengthens the call for justice in Mindanao. The struggle against impunity continues.”
Media practitioner Jessiemer Loi Algarme also expressed hope that the case would move forward. “I will be happier if this (charge) is confirmed after the pre-trial and proceeds to a full trial so that justice is fully served,” Algarme said.
Criticism was likewise directed at the former president’s lead counsel, Nicolas Kaufman. Human rights lawyer Dexter Lopoz dismissed the defense’s arguments as “troll-level” scripts that offered “nothing new.”
Political commentator Antonio Montalvan echoed that view, saying, “Kaufman [didn’t have] anything to say about evidence but instead resorted to gaslighting and rage-baiting.”
