THE Senate on Wednesday approved a resolution requesting the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hold former President Rodrigo Duterte under house arrest.
The senators cited humanitarian considerations as the reason for the appeal.
Voting 15-3-2, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution No. 28 jointly introduced by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano.
The resolution cited the former president’s advanced age and deteriorating health as the basis for the appeal.
The senators urged the ICC to designate a qualified physician to assess Duterte’s medical condition and determine whether continued detention would further compromise his health.
Among those who voted in favor for Duterte’s house arrest were Senators Zubiri, Cayetano, Ronald dela Rosa , JV Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Go, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla and Joel Villanueva , all sponsors of the measure; Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Erwin Tulfo, Mark Villar and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
Those who opposed the resolution were Senators Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan. and Risa Hontiveros.
Both Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who served as the presiding officer, and Senator Raffy Tulfo abstained.
Meanwhile, Senators Camille Villar, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid and Francis Escudero were absent during the voting.
During the session on Wednesday, Marcoleta said justice most never be devoid of compassion. He said accountability may be demanded and trials may proceed but no point that humanity be surrendered.
“Nais ko pong linawin na tayo ay hindi humihingi ng kalayaan mula sa proseso. Hindi rin po ito paghuhusga sa merito o katotohanan ng mga kaso laban kay dating Pangulong Duterte. Ang panawagan lamang natin ay para sa isang makataong konsiderasyon – that he be allowed to be placed under house arrest, given his age and frail medical condition,” said Marcoleta.
Lacson voted “Yes” citing humanitarian considerations and concern for a fellow Filipino incarcerated in a foreign land
Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025 based on an ICC warrant for charges of crimes against humanity for his alleged “bloody war” on drugs.
The former president is now being held at a detention center in Scheveningen, a district in The Hague in Netherlands.
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