Former Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo criticized the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) rejection of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bid for interim release, calling the Appeals Chamber’s ruling “illogical” and urging the defense to sharpen its arguments.
Panelo said the ICC continues to assert an authority it “does not possess” after the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute. He dismissed the court’s assessment of escape risk.
“Tapos iyong sinasabi nila baka mag-escape, may risk. The man is 80 years old. He cannot even maintain balance. We know that he has plenty of sakit. Papaano tatakas?” he said.
He accused the ICC of “overreaching,” insisting the case was never validly opened and that the defense should expand its arguments on jurisdiction and the alleged lack of a valid preliminary investigation.
He also questioned the Appeals Chamber’s use of external sources—media reports and NGO documents—in upholding Duterte’s continued detention.
Panelo said Duterte’s incarceration stems from what he described as the ICC’s insistence despite jurisdictional barriers.
“Wala ka na ngang jurisdiction… talagang target mo ay si Duterte, walang iba,” he said, adding, “Kahit anong sabihin mo, ever since sinasabi ko, wala na iyan.”
Despite the setback, Panelo stressed that the legal fight “is far from over,” urging the former president’s camp to zero in on the jurisdictional challenge.
The ICC on Friday upheld the Pre-Trial Chamber’s September 26 decision denying Duterte’s interim release under Article 58(1)(b) of the Rome Statute. Duterte remains in custody as he awaits trial for crimes against humanity.