October 2, 2025
MANILA – Voting 15 affirmative, 3 negative, and two abstentions, the Senate adopted on Wednesday a resolution requesting the International Criminal Court (ICC) to place former President Rodrigo Duterte under house arrest for humanitarian reasons.
Proposed Senate Resolution No. 144, signed by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, emphasized that in view of the advanced age and deteriorating health of Duterte, the ICC should designate a physician or medical doctor to examine the former President and ascertain that he is fit to withstand regular detention — and should the medical findings prove that his detention will further worsen his medical condition, allow the former president to be detained under house arrest.
“Such house arrest, or a similar appropriate arrangement, will be subject to conditions restricting liberty to be imposed by the ICC, presenting no risk to the integrity of the ongoing trial,” the resolution reads.
In the same measure, the senators argued that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provided that all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity o fthe human person.
“The Rules of Procedure and Evidence of the ICC allows persons being tried there in interim release, subject to conditions restricting liberty, including staying at a particular address, not contacting directly or indirectly victims or witnesses, and responding when summoned b y an authority o r qualified person designated b y the ICC,” it adds.
Meanwhile, in his sponsorship speech, Cayetano said the wheels of justice are already moving at present — may it be in the country or the ICC.
“It is not against the tenet of human rights to allow any person, especially a former president, to be under house arrest or to be under a country supervised under ICI, especially in the condition of president Duterte who is 80 years old,” said Cayetano.
Zubiri, for his part, said his personal stand on the issue does not have anything to do with politics. He said it is only based on his point of view as a son to a father who is now 85 years old and ailing.
Aside from Zubiri and Cayetano, the other senators who voted in favor of the resolution were Imee Marcos, Robinhood Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher “Bong” Go, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Erwin Tulfo, JV Ejercito, Panfilo Lacson and Mark Villar.
Those who opposed the resolution were Senators Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Sen. Raffy Tulfo abstained.
“I am faced with two equally important issues affecting life and liberty,” Sotto said.
“To afford PRRD with the optimal condition of his detention that will be beneficial for his physical and mental health, while taking into consideration the plight of the families who are seeking justice for the alleged crimes against humanity. I am supportive of any efforts to bring home PRRD and to uplift his well-being during this crucial time,” the Senate president said.
“However, my choice or decision, in conscience, in my conscience, might even help in further dividing the nation. Therefore, I register an abstention,” Sotto explained.
In explaining his vote, Sotto said he faced two equally important issues affecting life and liberty.
“To afford [former president Duterte] with the optimal condition of his detention that will be beneficial for his physical and mental health, while taking into consideration the plight of the families who are seeking justice for the alleged crimes against humanity,” said Sotto.
The Senate president said he is supportive of any efforts to bring home the ex-chief executive and “uplift his well-being during this crucial time.”
He, however, noted that his choice “in [his] conscience might even help in further dividing the nation.”
This, according to Sotto, is why he abstained.
Meanwhile, Hontiveros — who was among the three senators who voted against the measure — emphasized that there are no indications that the ICC is neglecting the health and well-being of the people in their custody.
She then proceeded to emphasize that the drug war’s atrocities are not mere hallucinations.
“They are the shattered lives of thousands of poor Filipinos. They are the cries of mothers and fathers whose children never came home. They are the unmarked graves and the culture of impunity that continues to haunt our nation,” she said.
“I cannot, in good conscience, support this resolution. I am voting no,” she added. /gsg