Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, also known as Pulong Duterte, questioned the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the tribunal of merely “pretending to deliver justice” as it prepares to hold a confirmation of charges hearing against former President Rodrigo Duterte this week.
In a statement, the lawmaker criticized the ICC’s authority to conduct proceedings related to his father’s administration, particularly over its controversial anti-drug campaign. He argued that the hearing would not alter the historical narrative of what he described as efforts to restore peace and order in the Philippines.
“This hearing will not change history,” he said.
Duterte also challenged the ICC’s claim of independence and its role as a representative of victims. According to him, the tribunal has allegedly ignored the millions of Filipinos who, he said, felt safer during the previous administration’s crackdown on crime, illegal drugs, and lawlessness.
“Let’s call this what it is — not justice, not accountability, but selective prosecution dressed up as moral superiority,” he added.
The confirmation of charges hearing is part of the ICC’s legal process to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. The case stems from allegations linked to the former president’s anti-drug operations during his term in office.
