Palace: Duterte’s ICC turnover lawfulA man holds a portrait of former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he will be appearing, in The Hague on March 14, 2025. Although the Philippines no longer recognizes the jurisdiction of the ICC, the court has jurisdiction over actions that took place while the country was still its member, the Palace press officer added. Duterte withdrew the country from the statute in 2018 after the ICC had announced a plan to launch an investigation into his drug war. Duterte has waived his right to appear during the hearing on the confirmation of his charges next week, insisting that the ICC has no jurisdiction over him. Aguirre was named as among Duterte’s eight “co-perpetrators.” – Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Janvic Mateo, Ghio Ong

Source: Philippine Star February 19, 2026 16:35 UTC