Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is calling for the temporary release of former President Rodrigo Duterte from the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility and his placement under house arrest at the Philippine Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands.
In a resolution filed in the Senate, Cayetano urged the Philippine government to formally request the ICC to allow Duterte to be held under house arrest, citing the former President’s deteriorating health condition.
He emphasized that Duterte, like any accused, has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“Marapat lamang na kumilos ang ating gobyerno sa lalong madaling panahon habang hindi pa huli ang lahat dahil ‘ika nga: nasa huli ang pagsisisi,” Cayetano stated.
Duterte is currently detained at the ICC as he faces charges related to crimes against humanity over his administration’s bloody war on drugs.
Cayetano, a former Foreign Affairs Secretary under Duterte’s term and his former 2016 vice-presidential running mate, reiterated the need for compassion while ensuring legal accountability.
The resolution is now awaiting deliberation in the Senate.