Australia Rejects Duterte’s Bid for Interim Release Despite ICC Request
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Former Philippine President Still in ICC Custody Over Drug War Case
JUNE 27,2025
Australia has rejected the idea of hosting former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte if the International Criminal Court (ICC) approves his request for interim release. Government sources said the decision is up to the ICC, not individual countries.
Duterte’s legal team claimed a third country had agreed to receive him. But Australia made it clear—it’s not part of that plan.
VP Duterte Says Australia Was Considered
Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed that her father’s legal team listed Australia as one of the options for interim release. However, she clarified that her recent visit had nothing to do with that request.
“Australia is in the list of countries that are considered by the lawyers, but I am not here for the interim release,” she explained.
Instead, she said the purpose of her visit was to speak to the Filipino community in Australia. She aimed to raise awareness about her father’s ICC case and share updates on the Marcos administration’s performance.
Australia-ICC Prosecution Opposes the Release
The ICC Office of the Prosecutor asked the Pre-Trial Chamber to reject Duterte’s request. They stressed that no country has officially agreed to host him.
They also denied that the defense and prosecution reached any deal. According to prosecutors, they only discussed the release under certain conditions, which Duterte’s team did not meet.
No Talks with Australian Officials
During her stay, VP Sara Duterte tried to set up a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, but Wong was unavailable. The Vice President said she hopes to meet with Australian officials in a future visit.
Australia is a party to the Rome Statute, which created the ICC. As a member, it is obligated to support ICC decisions and legal processes.
Duterte Remains in ICC Custody
Duterte is still held at ICC headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, while facing charges of crimes against humanity. These charges stem from thousands of deaths during his administration’s war on drugs.
His lawyers continue to seek temporary release to a friendly country. But with strong opposition from ICC prosecutors and Australia’s refusal, that path looks uncertain. NOWTREND
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