Malacañang Acknowledges Resolution on Duterte Interim Release
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang responded with a simple “Noted” to a resolution filed by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano urging the interim release and house arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte at a Philippine embassy.
During a Friday briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro refrained from elaborating on the resolution, pointing out that the Department of Justice (DOJ) had already expressed its position on the matter. “Secretary of Justice Boying Remulla has already spoken about the interim release. And if there are such suggestions from Sen. Alan Cayetano, they are noted,” she said. When asked if Malacañang would take further action, Castro maintained, “With what I can provide for now, ‘noted.'”
Senator Cayetano Pushes for Duterte Interim Release
On Thursday, Cayetano filed an unnumbered resolution seeking Duterte’s interim release and placement under house arrest while awaiting trial. The senator cited Duterte’s declining health due to old age and prolonged isolation as key reasons for the proposal.
The resolution suggested negotiating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to transfer Duterte’s custody to the Philippine Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands. It proposed house arrest, modified house arrest, or any arrangement the ICC finds appropriate, subject to conditions set by the Pre-Trial Chamber. “To grant this for the former president would be beneficial to his health, all while presenting no risk to the integrity of the ongoing trial,” Cayetano stated. He added, “It is only right that our government acts as soon as possible before it’s too late, because as the saying goes, regret always comes in the end.”
Justice Secretary Opposes Interim Release Request
In a televised interview, Justice Secretary Remulla opposed the request for Duterte’s interim release submitted to the ICC. “Well, we don’t think that it is an appropriate request. I think that the case should be heard as soon as possible,” he said during an ANC Headstart interview on June 25.
Duterte’s legal team argues that the former president’s age and deteriorating health justify interim release, noting he poses no flight risk or threat of further crimes. However, Remulla pointed out that “the best medical care is already available in the Netherlands. And moving him might even cause a few more adjustments that would not be good for him.”
Duterte’s Detention and Legal Proceedings
Duterte remains detained at the ICC’s detention facility within the Scheveningen prison complex in The Hague. He was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11 and deported the same day.
His pre-trial hearing took place on March 14, with the confirmation of charges scheduled for September 23, sources said.
For more news and updates on Duterte interim release, visit Filipinokami.com.