Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has expressed disappointment over the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to deny the request for interim release of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In an interview with DZRH on Friday, October 10, Roque described the ruling as a “sad development,” saying he had personally hoped the court would grant Duterte’s temporary release due to his current condition.
“Ito po talaga ay malungkot [na balita]. Dahil ako po ay personal na [umaasa] na pagbibigyan na ng hukuman ‘yang mosyon dahil nga po sa kaniyang kalagayan na wala na siyang kakayahan para harapin ang mga paglilitis laban sa kaniya,” Roque said.
He further claimed that the ICC’s decision violated Duterte’s human rights.
“Ang tingin ko po sa desisyon na ito ay desisyong labag sa karapatang pantao ni Tatay Digong na dapat siya’y nasa tamang pag-iisip [kapag] siya ay haharap sa isang paglilitis,” he emphasized.
Roque added that the ruling goes against the principles of justice outlined in the ICC’s own Rome Statute: “Ito po ay labag doon sa probisyon ng ating ICC Rome Statute na kinakailangang ang may desisyon ay towards or in the interest of justice,” he noted.
According to him, the ICC had “no valid reason” to reject Duterte’s interim release request, arguing that the 80-year-old former president no longer posed any threat to witnesses or to the ongoing proceedings.
“Sa akin po, walang dahilan para hindi bigyan ng interim release si Tatay Digong dahil siya nga po ay 80 anyos [at] hindi na po siya magiging banta sa kahit kaninong testigo o wala na siyang kakayahan para makialam sa mga paglilitis na ito kung ito man ay magpapatuloy […]” Roque said.
The ICC, however, stood firm in its decision, rejecting the defense’s humanitarian argument on Duterte’s medical condition while in custody.
In its ruling released on Friday, October 10, the ICC stated: “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 court also clarified that Duterte continues to receive proper medical care under ICC custody, contrary to his camp’s claims of inadequate treatment.