A fresh petition has been filed, contesting the legality of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This development comes after Duterte was taken into custody following an ICC arrest warrant issued due to his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during his administration’s “war on drugs” campaign.
The petition argues that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over Duterte’s case, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, the ICC maintains that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed before the withdrawal.
Duterte’s lawyers have already filed a petition with the Supreme Court, accusing the government of “kidnapping” and demanding his return to Manila. The Philippine government has appealed the ICC’s decision to resume its investigation, which is currently pending.
The ICC’s investigation into Duterte’s administration has been ongoing since 2018, with the court examining allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and other human rights abuses. The case has sparked intense debate and raises questions about the ICC’s jurisdiction and the Philippines’ commitment to human rights
