Duterte cannot return to PH if granted ICC interim release

A lawyer representing victims of the drug war stated that it is impossible for former President Rodrigo Duterte to return to the Philippines, even for oath-taking as Davao City mayor, if the International Criminal Court (ICC) grants him temporary release while his case is pending.

Joel Butuyan, president of the Center for International Law, explained that Duterte would violate the conditions of his interim release if he attempted to resume public functions or return to the Philippines.

Butuyan clarified that the country hosting a detainee during interim release must be a member of the ICC, making a return to the Philippines impossible.

The ICC permits interim release under strict conditions, including ensuring the detainee is not a flight risk, will not obstruct investigations, and is unlikely to reoffend.

Duterte's lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, argued in his petition to the ICC that his client meets all conditions and pledged that Duterte would refrain from public engagements, holding office, or communicating with anyone outside his family.