Malacañang has issued a statement following Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte’s strong reaction to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision denying the interim release of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“This decision is a gross and disgraceful miscarriage of justice. It is not law — it is a political theater […] To all kidnappers of my father I will make sure that you will pay for this crime that you have committed,” Pulong wrote in a Facebook post on October 10.
In a press briefing held on Monday, October 13, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro underscored that everyone must adhere to the rule of law and not resort to threats or intimidation.
“We should not live in fear or in threats. We are part of a civilized society, not a barbaric world. So we must respond according to the rule of law,” Castro said.
She added that citizens must uphold due process and remain guided by legal institutions rather than emotions.
“We should not be afraid or live under constant intimidation,” she added.
The ICC earlier denied Duterte’s request for interim release, citing insufficient grounds to justify his plea on humanitarian reasons.
According to the court’s document released on October 10, the defense failed to clearly prove how detention was detrimental to Duterte’s health or justified his temporary freedom.
“The Chamber notes that the Defense limits itself to argue that ‘Mr Duterte is 80 years old and medical reports have highlighted [REDACTED],’ and that [REDACTED], without substantiating how detention is so detrimental that it justifies his release. It does not explain to what extent Mr. Duterte [REDACTED] and how that would justify his interim release,” the ICC stated.
The ICC further clarified that Duterte continues to receive proper medical attention while under custody, contrary to claims that he was being deprived of necessary care.
The court also assured that Duterte’s rights remain protected, including the right to family visits.
“The Chamber, therefore, considers that the defense’s argument that Mr. Duterte should be released for humanitarian reasons must be rejected,” the ICC concluded.