Rodrigo Duterte is facing growing international isolation as he awaits trial in the Netherlands for crimes against humanity. Once known for his iron-fisted so-called “war on drugs,” the former Philippine president is now facing charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC), struggling to secure interim release or refuge in another country.
Australia – a member of the ICC and longtime ally of the Philippines – formally refused to host Duterte, even temporarily. This came shortly after Vice President Sara Duterte’s visit to Melbourne, which she labeled personal, but during which she reportedly attempted to contact Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Wong declined to meet, and Australia confirmed via email its refusal to accommodate the former president.
While Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team claims another unnamed country has agreed to host him under ICC-approved conditions, no nation has publicly confirmed this.
Meanwhile, the government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. insists it is not formally cooperating with the ICC – the Philippines has withdrawn from the Rome Statute in 2019 – but witness protection and logistical support are being provided through domestic channels.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that several ICC witnesses are receiving protection and aid under Philippine law.
The prosecution of Rodrigo Duterte will be backed by extensive evidence, including public admissions and thousands of pages of documentation. The ICC is scheduled to begin the confirmation of charges hearing on September 23, 2025, following the recent disclosure of more than 90 new pieces of evidence.
Among Rodrigo Duterte’s key allies still “under suspicion” by the ICC is Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, former national police chief and architect of his “war on drugs”. Vice President Sara Duterte continues to campaign for her father’s release on humanitarian grounds, citing his age and alleged health concerns.
However, victims’ groups, human rights lawyers, and the ICC’s Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) have vehemently opposed Duterte’s release. They argue that he continues to pose a threat to witnesses and maintains political influence -particularly in Davao City, where he was recently elected mayor but has not taken his oath of office.
Rodrigo Duterte’s former spokesperson Harry Roque faces his own legal battles. The Netherlands reportedly rejected his asylum bid, prompting him to try his luck in Germany. He is also wanted in the Philippines on charges linked to human trafficking and Philippine offshore gaming operations. The Department of Justice is working to revoke his passport, potentially opening the door for Interpol involvement.
Roque has dismissed the asylum rejection reports as “fake news” and insisted he is merely attending Filipino community events in Europe.