The Philippine Senate approved on Wednesday a resolution urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to allow former President Rodrigo Duterte to remain under house arrest due to health considerations.
The resolution, passed with a vote of 15-3-2, does not carry legal force but expresses the Senate’s official position on the matter.
Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri and Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano led the initiative behind the resolution.
It calls on the ICC to assign a medical expert to assess Duterte’s health and determine his capacity to endure regular detention.
Senators stated that if Duterte’s condition is found to worsen under standard incarceration, the ICC should consider house arrest or similar arrangements that would not interfere with the ongoing trial.
Duterte is currently facing charges of crimes against humanity over his controversial anti-drug campaign during his presidency.
The resolution also cites Article 10 (1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which mandates humane and dignified treatment of all detainees.
It references ICC guidelines that allow provisional release during trial, provided conditions are met such as staying at a designated residence, avoiding contact with victims or witnesses, and attending court hearings when summoned.
Duterte’s legal team has reportedly submitted medical reports indicating cognitive impairment as part of their appeal for his temporary release.