Palace charters plane for Duterte's ICC trip

The Office of the President chartered the plane used to transport former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague, where he faces crimes against humanity charges filed by the International Criminal Court.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro confirmed that while the government paid for the charter flight as part of its assistance provided to Interpol, Duterte will be responsible for all other expenses including legal fees.

Former President Duterte was arrested and transferred to The Hague on March 11, where he now awaits trial for his violent campaign against illegal drugs, which international and local rights groups claim resulted in thousands of deaths.

Castro stated at a press briefing that the Philippine government has no jurisdiction over the proceedings at the ICC but is committed to ensuring Duterte receives due process.

Duterte arrived in The Hague on March 13 after making a layover in Dubai, scheduled to appear before judges for a hearing on Friday.