Malacañang on Friday has once again dismissed allegations that former president Rodrigo Duterte was “kidnapped” when he was brought to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
During a Palace press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said Malacañang was puzzled by the continued use of the “kidnapping” narrative by Duterte’s camp following the implementation of the ICC’s warrant of arrest in The Hague.
Castro emphasized that Duterte himself had previously declared “he was willing to submit to arrest“ should the ICC issue a warrant against him.
“Tayo nga po ay lubhang nagtataka dahil patuloy nila itong ginagawang naratibo. At ang purpose lamang nito ay sirain at ibagsak ang imahe ng ating Pangulo,” Castro said.
“Mismo si dating Pangulong Duterte ang nagsabi na siya ay willing magpa-aresto kapag nandyan ang warrant of arrest,” she added.
Castro presented a past news report about the former President: “Ito nga po ay aking naakita sa isang news kung saan Philippines Duterte says he will accept arrest if ICC issues warrant. Ito ay may date na March 10, 2025 at itong salaysay na ito ay nakuha pa noong siya ay nasa Hong Kong.”
Reading from the report, Castro quoted Duterte as saying: “Assuming it’s true, referring to the warrant, why did I do it? For myself, for my family, for you and your children, and for our nation. If it is truly my fate in life, it’s okay. I will accept it. They can arrest me, imprison me.”
Castro further noted that Duterte appeared aware that a warrant could be served and had even expressed confidence in facing the ICC proceedings.
“So alam niya na magkakaroon ng pagsisilbi ng warrant of arrest… He was not scared of the ICC and told it to hurry up on its investigation,” she added.
The Palace official questioned how claims of kidnapping could stand in light of Duterte’s own public statements.
“Paano nilang masasabing may kidnapping kung mismo ang dating Pangulong Duterte ay handang magpa-aresto kapag ang warrant of arrest ng ICC ay nandyan na” Castro said.
The ICC, based in The Hague, has been investigating Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign during his presidency, over alleged human rights violations.
Meanwhile, the confirmation of charges in Duterte’s case before the ICC, will start on Monday, February 23, 2026.
