Photo credit: ICC

The Palace isn’t backing down. On Sunday, it reaffirmed that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest on March 11, based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, was done by the book.

The government insists that despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC, the court still has jurisdiction over alleged crimes against humanity committed before the exit. That includes Duterte’s bloody drug war, which rights groups claim left thousands dead.

Palace to Dela Rosa: "Wala Tayong Magagawa"

Former top cop-turned-senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa has been vocal in questioning the legality of Duterte’s arrest. But Palace press officer Claire Castro had a blunt response:

"Wala tayong magagawa sa kanyang sasabihin... siyempre 'yan ang sasabihin niya. Ang gusto niyang iparating sa taumbayan na ilegal 'yung pagsuko."

The Palace doesn’t seem too concerned about Dela Rosa’s take. They’re standing by Republic Act No. 9851—The Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity—which was used as the legal basis for Duterte’s arrest.

The Government's Balancing Act

The administration has been walking a fine line. While it refuses to cooperate with the ICC, it acknowledges its responsibility to assist Interpol, which played a role in serving the warrant.

With tensions high and Duterte’s supporters rallying behind him, one thing is clear: this legal and political battle is far from over.