Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, son of former President Rodrigo Duterte, sharply criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) in a statement released on Monday, February 23, regarding the confirmation of charges hearing against his father.

Rep. Duterte called the proceedings “political” and accused the ICC of practicing selective prosecution, arguing that the court ignores the millions of Filipinos who reportedly felt safer during his father’s administration. He questioned the court’s jurisdiction, noting that the Philippines has withdrawn from the Rome Statute, and criticized what he described as double standards, contrasting Duterte’s anti-drug policies with historical cases involving the Aquino family.

In his statement, he said, "Former President Duterte did not govern for foreign approval. He governed for Filipinos—especially those who lived in fear long before air-conditioned courtrooms started moralizing from thousands of kilometers away.” He added, “Philippine sovereignty is not up for confirmation,” signaling strong opposition to what he views as foreign interference in domestic affairs.

The lawmaker also framed the ICC hearings as symbolic rather than substantive, asserting that they “will not change history” or intimidate Duterte supporters. He emphasized his continued political engagement in the Philippines, hinting at future electoral involvement and defending his family’s autonomy from foreign influence.

The hearing, set to run from February 23 to 24 and 26 to 27, aims to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for alleged crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s war on drugs.