Philippine Senate Urges ICC to Grant House Arrest for Ex-President Duterte on Humanitarian Grounds

The Philippine Senate has approved a resolution urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to allow former President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte to be placed under house arrest in The Hague, Netherlands, citing humanitarian considerations amid his advanced age and health concerns.

Senate Resolution No. 144 was passed with a vote of 15–3, with 2 abstentions. Lawmakers who voted in favor include Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senators Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Alan Peter Cayetano, Robin Padilla, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, Win Gatchalian, JV Ejercito, Loren Legarda, Panfilo Lacson, Erwin Tulfo, and Mark Villar.

Senators Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, and Camille Villar abstained, while Senators Francis Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros were among those who voted against the resolution.

“This has no political color. It’s purely for humanitarian reasons. I know some of the families of the victims will probably be angry at me, and I understand that,” Zubiri said in defending his vote.

Cayetano, who supported the measure, emphasized Duterte’s age and health. “He’s a citizen of our country, he’s 80 years old, he needs medical attention, he needs his family, he needs people to talk to,” he said.

However, Pangilinan strongly opposed the resolution, stressing the need to side with victims of the bloody war on drugs during Duterte’s presidency. “Thousands were killed. Thousands lost their fathers, mothers, and children — all they ask for is justice,” he said.

“There is a basis for humanitarian consideration, yes, but there is also a basis for the cries and grief of thousands of Filipinos who were killed. Which side are we on?”

Hontiveros echoed this sentiment, saying the Senate’s decision would reflect its stance on justice and accountability. “Out of respect for justice, fairness, and the memory of those whose lives were stolen and destroyed… I cannot in good conscience support this resolution,” she said.

Duterte, 80, is currently detained at the ICC in The Hague as part of the court’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Philippine government’s anti-drug campaign. The Senate resolution is non-binding but signals a significant political gesture toward the ICC.