FACT CHECK: Ex-president Duterte not set to return to PH from ICC

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Former president Rodrigo Duterte is still being held at the ICC Detention Centre, in The Hague

Claim: Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s return to the Philippines after detention in the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, Netherlands, is confirmed.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: As of writing, the YouTube video posted on May 12 has garnered 18,252 views, 407 likes, and 24 comments. The YouTube channel, Boses ng Masa, currently has 114,000 subscribers. 

The video’s title reads, “Pagbabalik ni FPRRD mula ICC confirmed na?! Claire Castro at PBBM may kabalbalan nanamang plano?” (Former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s return to the Philippines confirmed? Claire Castro and President Bongbong Marcos are plotting something again?)

The facts: Former president Duterte is not set to return to the Philippines. He is still being held at the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague, Netherlands. Duterte has been detained over charges of crimes against humanity for his administration’s drug war which has claimed the lives of up to 30,000 people. The video does not present any evidence or report to support its claim and instead makes another claim of a supposed assassination plot against the former president. 

Duterte is scheduled to appear before the ICC for his confirmation of charges hearing on September 23. His legal team has asked the ICC to dismiss the charges against him citing lack of jurisdiction. A July 2023 decision by the ICC, however, allowed a resumption of the investigation into Duterte’s drug war. (READ: EXPLAINER: What you need to know about ICC’s jurisdiction over Duterte)

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2025 Elections: Duterte has also been elected mayor of Davao City for an eighth term in the last May 12 midterm elections. Other members of the Duterte family have also won their respective local races, bringing the number of Dutertes currently in government to at least seven. Questions remain, however, as to how the former president will act as mayor while still in detention. 

According to Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, the “winning vice mayor will become ‘acting mayor’ [until] the winning mayor is able to assume duties.” Duterte’s son, Sebastian Duterte, won his election as vice mayor. 

Sara Duterte: The former president is not the only Duterte to face charges after the midterm elections. His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, is set to face the Senate impeachment court after being impeached by the House of Representatives last February 5. She was charged with alleged betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, among other high crimes. (READ: Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Everything you need to know)

The Vice President’s impeachment trial, under the proposed timetable by Senate President Francis Escudero, has been set for July 30, right after the President’s State of the Nation Address and the newly- elected senators of the 20th Congress have taken their oath. 

A two-thirds majority is needed in the Senate to convict the Vice President, leaving only nine senator-judges needed for an acquittal. Based on partial, and unofficial election results on May 13, Rappler has identified seven likely to vote for an acquittal based on their links to the Dutertes and previous statements on impeachment. 

Previous fact-checks: Rappler has fact-checked claims regarding the former president and the ICC: 

• FACT CHECK: Post about ICC prosecutor granting Duterte’s release is false
• FACT CHECK: No, ICC hasn’t ruled on jurisdiction and Duterte release
• FACT CHECK: No Trump promise to free Duterte from ICC custody

– Ramon Franco Verano/Rappler.com

Ramon Franco Verano is a graduate of Rappler’s volunteer program. He is a fourth year History student at the University of Santo Tomas. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.

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