MANILA — As former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte seeks interim release from the International Criminal Court (ICC), prominent political figures Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes IV have voiced sharp criticism, casting doubt on both the legal merits and political motivations behind the request.

They argue that releasing Duterte could jeopardize the integrity of the case and embolden impunity.

Congresswoman-elect Leila de Lima, a longtime critic of Duterte and former detainee under his administration, did not hold back in her assessment of the defense’s strategy.

“The grant of Duterte’s application for interim release has a snowball’s chance in hell. Kaufman has to earn his keep. He has to show his client his professional fee is being put to good use. He also has to sustain the hope and morale of DDS fanatics for the political survival of the Duterte Dynasty.”

She stated that ICC prosecutors must give the impression of maintaining a reasonable stance, thereby projecting a willingness to entertain discussions regarding the terms of Duterte’s potential release.

“What is certain and absolute is that the ICC knows it cannot afford to take the chance in releasing Duterte. They know that once they do, Duterte is most likely not coming back to The Hague,” she explained.

“The man recognizes no law, respects no court, and honors no agreement. His word is worthless. The ICC knows that releasing him could mean the end of the case against him. I doubt they will let that happen,” de Lima added.

Former senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV echoed similar sentiments, injecting a dose of sarcasm while urging the public to remain level-headed.

“The defense team of Duterte merely requested the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber for an interim release; it doesn’t mean maga-grant na agad yun. Naghahanapbuhay lang yung 150 million peso per month na abogado nya at nagpapaasa sa mga fanatics nya. Kalma lang at malabo pa mangyare yan,” he said.

Duterte’s legal counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, formally petitioned the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber for the former president’s temporary release while awaiting trial for crimes against humanity on June 12, 2025. The defense cited humanitarian grounds, Duterte’s advanced age, and his alleged lack of flight risk as justification for the request. Kaufman also claimed that a third country had agreed to host Duterte under strict conditions and that ICC prosecutors had expressed no opposition to the proposal.

The International Criminal Court has never granted interim release to any suspect charged with crimes against humanity.

📷 Antonio Trillanes IV FB, Rody Duterte FB, and Leila de Lima FB