Recent developments have sent shockwaves through the Philippines’ political landscape, as former President Rodrigo Duterte’s whereabouts raise eyebrows. With the International Criminal Court (ICC) reportedly poised to issue a warrant of arrest, speculations abound that Duterte may be running scared.

Retired Associate Justice Antonio Carpio expressed concerns about the former President seeking refuge in China, a non-ICC member, due to doubts about his protection under the current administration.

Justice Carpio’s Alarming Statement
In a recent speech, retired Associate Justice Antonio Carpio pointed out, “Because of the looming warrant for arrest to be issued by the ICC, he might be looking for a place of refuge because China is not a member of ICC, and might just want to be protected by China.” Carpio further added, “Former President Rodrigo Duterte may not be confident that he will always be protected by the Philippine government” under the Bongbong Marcos Jr. administration.

The ICC’s Looming Warrant of Arrest
In January, the ICC made a crucial decision to investigate the alleged thousands of deaths attributed to the war on drugs during Duterte’s presidential tenure.

Recently, the ICC dismissed the Philippines’ appeal against the investigation. The Department of Justice advised Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to steer clear of countries with ties to the tribunal.

China as a Safe Haven
Justice Carpio’s suggestion that Duterte might seek refuge in China, a non-ICC member, has fueled speculations. Carpio raised concerns about Duterte’s confidence in receiving protection under the current administration led by Bongbong Marcos Jr.

With China’s non-involvement with the ICC, it could potentially provide a safe haven for the former President, a move that Carpio believes may create divisions among Filipinos.

Duterte’s Legal Counsel’s Defense
Harry Roque, Duterte’s legal counsel and former spokesperson, strongly dismissed the idea of seeking refuge, calling it “kalokohan” or nonsense. Roque highlighted that the Philippines is not a member of the ICC and has already declared its non-cooperation with the court. Therefore, Duterte should not require a place of refuge.

“Kalokohan po yan dahil ang Pilipinas ay hindi naman kasapi ng ICC at nagsabi na ang president at ang Justice Secretary na hindi kayo magko-cooperate sa ICC, si, hindi na kinakailangang maghanap ng place of refuge si President Duterte,” Roque said.

In March 2018, Duterte announced the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC, a move viewed by many as self-serving and aimed at protecting himself from potential prosecution. With the ICC’s recent decision to investigate the drug war deaths, questions are raised about the repercussions of this withdrawal.

Marcos’ Stand on ICC
Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr., however, declared that the Philippine government would no longer engage with the ICC after rejecting the court’s request to suspend the investigation into Duterte’s anti-narcotics campaign. He reiterated the country’s non-cooperation stance, signaling a break in communication with the international body.