Malacañang clarified Friday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will not personally monitor the upcoming confirmation of charges hearing of former president Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stressed that the proceedings are personal to Duterte, while the President’s focus remains on national concerns.
“Hindi po imo-monitor (ng Pangulo). Pero siyempre kailangan pong maging updated ang Pangulo sa lahat ng nangyayari dahil mga kapwa Pilipino natin ang nasasangkot dito,” Castro said.
Castro explained that although Marcos will not directly follow the hearings, he will still be kept informed, especially since Filipinos are involved in the case.
She also addressed ongoing fundraising initiatives aimed at supporting complainants who may struggle with travel expenses to The Hague.
According to Castro, the Department of Justice is aware of the matter and prepared to extend protection and assistance to Filipino complainants, though details of the support are still being finalized.
The ICC investigation centers on allegations of crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president from 2011 to 2019, including alleged extrajudicial killings.
The confirmation of charges hearing, scheduled from February 23 to 27 in The Hague where Duterte is currently detained, will determine whether the case advances to a full trial before the tribunal.