Lawmakers doubt Senate resolution can free detained Duterte from ICC

At least three party list lawmakers expressed skepticism about a Senate resolution's ability to influence the International Criminal Court (ICC) to return former President Rodrigo Duterte from detention in The Hague, Netherlands.

ML Party List Rep. Leila De Lima and Bicol Saro Party List Rep. Terry Ridon believe the move is mere political posturing with no legal basis.

Tinio emphasized that the ICC has its own rules and procedures, making it unlikely for Duterte to be released or returned based on domestic resolutions.

Ridon stated that the Philippine government currently cannot bring Duterte back home as the decision rests solely with the ICC.

Sen. Robinhood Padilla announced earlier this week that Senators Bong Go and Ronald dela Rosa have signed his resolution seeking Duterte's immediate return, though it has not yet been filed.

Duterte was arrested on March 11 upon arriving from Hong Kong at the request of the ICC as part of its investigation into his 'war on drugs'.

On March 14, Duterte appeared via video link before ICC judges and is scheduled to attend a September 23 hearing to confirm charges against him.