The Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to consider placing former President Rodrigo Duterte under house arrest, citing humanitarian considerations amid his ongoing legal battles.
Senate Resolution No. 144 was passed with 15 senators voting in favor, three against, and two abstaining. The measure expresses the sense of the Senate to formally request the ICC to allow Duterte to remain in the Philippines under house arrest rather than face detention abroad.
The resolution received the backing of senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, JV Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada, Sherwin Gatchalian, Christopher “Bong” Go, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Erwin Tulfo, Joel Villanueva, Mark Villar, and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Voting against the resolution were Senators Risa Hontiveros, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino, who argued that the Senate should not interfere with the ICC’s independent judicial processes. Hontiveros said the move could be seen as “political accommodation” rather than respect for international law.
Two senators—former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto and Raffy Tulfo—chose to abstain, citing reservations about the Senate’s authority to influence ICC procedures. Several senators were not present during the vote, including Pia Cayetano, Chiz Escudero (who indicated he would have voted yes), Camille Villar, and Lito Lapid.
Supporters of the resolution emphasized humanitarian grounds, pointing to Duterte’s age and health conditions. “This is not about immunity or absolution,” Senator Zubiri said. “It is about compassion and ensuring that due process respects the dignity of a former head of state.”
Meanwhile, critics of the resolution stressed that it could undermine the Philippines’ obligations under international agreements. Aquino noted that while humanitarian considerations are important, “the Senate must be cautious not to set a precedent of shielding individuals from accountability.”
The ICC has been conducting proceedings related to Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, which drew global scrutiny for alleged human rights violations. The adoption of the resolution is largely symbolic, as the ICC retains sole authority to decide on detention matters.
Still, the move reflects a significant division within the Senate and highlights the continuing national debate over how the Philippines should engage with the ICC regarding Duterte’s case.