MANILA—Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro on Monday, February 16, challenged individuals named in the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) case against former President Rodrigo Duterte to face the charges instead of evading justice. 

During a briefing, Castro emphasized that going into hiding only invites suspicion, asserting that those who are innocent should be "courageous" enough to undergo the legal process. 

She clarified that if warrants are issued, the government is duty-bound to cooperate via Interpol, following the same precedent that led to the turnover of Duterte to The Hague in March 2025.

Castro also hit back at claims that the ICC’s tagging of Senators Bato dela Rosa and Bong Go is a "diversionary tactic" to mask the administration’s current flood control issues. 

She pointed out that the ICC proceedings were initiated as early as 2017 long before the current administration took office and that the government has no influence over the tribunal’s timing. 

Additionally, Castro noted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has not yet discussed the possibility of the Philippines rejoining the ICC with his Cabinet.

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