THE Philippine government is prepared to provide necessary legal assistance to former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s war on drugs, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that Duterte, like any Filipino citizen, is entitled to government support under Republic Act (RA) 9851, also known as the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
“RA 9851 ensures that any Filipino, including former President Duterte, will not be abandoned by the government, especially when it comes to protecting their rights,” Castro said in a Palace briefing.
Duterte was flown to The Hague, Netherlands, where he is expected to respond to the allegations before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The charges stem from his anti-drug campaign during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president of the Philippines.
She assured the public that Duterte remains in stable condition, with his chartered flight making a brief layover in Dubai on Wednesday morning.
Castro also refuted claims that Duterte was denied medical attention upon his arrest at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. She stated that the former president was accompanied by his chosen nurse, legal counsel, and security aide.
“There is no truth to reports that he was deprived of proper medical care,” she added.
The ICC case against Duterte could potentially lead to severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
