MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday reaffirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration will keep a hands-off stance on the upcoming International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings against former president Rodrigo Duterte, after a pre-trial chamber ruled that Duterte is fit to stand trial.
“If that is their process, the President and the Philippine government will not interfere,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters.
The ICC has accused Duterte of crimes against humanity over his administration’s anti-drug campaign, during which thousands of suspected users, dealers, and bystanders were killed in police operations.
Confirmation of charges against the 80-year-old former president is set for February 23. His legal team is expected to seek leave to appeal the ruling on his fitness to stand trial.