Philippines an independent state, not a province of any foreign power - Palace

Her remarks were in response to Senator Imee Marcos, who questioned whether the Philippines had become a "province of The Hague."

20 Mar 2025 05:09pm
Protesters carrying a placard showing former president Rodrigo Duterte are blocked by anti-riot policemen near Malacanang palace in Manila on March 17, 2025. (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)
Protesters carrying a placard showing former president Rodrigo Duterte are blocked by anti-riot policemen near Malacanang palace in Manila on March 17, 2025. (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)

MANILA - The Philippines remains an independent nation, Malacanang said on Thursday, rejecting claims that the country has surrendered its sovereignty following former President Rodrigo Duterte’s transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"We never intended to become a province of anything because we are an independent country," said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, as reported by the Philippines News Agency (PNA).

Philippines' former president Rodrigo Duterte's supporters gather for a prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on March 15, 2025, as he faces crimes against humanity charges over his deadly crackdown on narcotics. Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte failed to attend in person an initial hearing at the International Criminal Court on March 14. The 79-year-old, the first ex-Asian head of state charged by the ICC, followed by videolink during a short hearing to inform him of the crimes he is alleged to have committed, as well as his rights as a defendant. (Photo by Jam STA ROSA / AFP)
Philippines' former president Rodrigo Duterte's supporters gather for a prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on March 15, 2025, as he faces crimes against humanity charges over his deadly crackdown on narcotics. Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte failed to attend in person an initial hearing at the International Criminal Court on March 14. The 79-year-old, the first ex-Asian head of state charged by the ICC, followed by videolink during a short hearing to inform him of the crimes he is alleged to have committed, as well as his rights as a defendant. (Photo by Jam STA ROSA / AFP)

Her remarks were in response to Senator Imee Marcos, who questioned whether the Philippines had become a "province of The Hague."

During a Senate hearing on Duterte’s arrest, Marcos expressed dismay over the government's decision to allow "outsiders" to take custody of the former leader.

Malacanang maintained that the administration was simply following the law and fulfilling its obligations under established legal frameworks.

Castro further explained that the government was acting under the Republic Act (RA) 9851, which grants authorities the power to surrender or extradite accused individuals in the Philippines to the appropriate international court.

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Duterte is facing charges at the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs, which took place between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019.

He is currently detained at the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague, Netherlands and is set to appear before the international court on 23 September to confirm the charges against him. - BERNAMA-PNA

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