De Lima offers to cooperate with ICC on Duterte-era crimes

Former senator Leila de Lima is willing to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Rodrigo Duterte's presidency.

Her legal counsel has stated that De Lima has already submitted evidence to the ICC and remains prepared to testify if summoned, a stance supported by Malacañang which said it will not oppose her voluntary testimony if allowed by the court’s prosecutors.

De Lima was detained from February 2017 to November 2023 on drug-related charges but was acquitted of all charges in June 2024.

As chair of the Commission on Human Rights, De Lima led the initial investigation into the Davao Death Squad when Duterte was mayor of Davao City and later investigated his drug war as a senator.

The Philippines maintains its stance that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the country, with discussions on rejoining the ICC yet to be initiated.