Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has filed a resolution asking the Philippine government to petition the International Criminal Court (ICC) to authorize the house arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte while he is being tried for crimes against humanity. According to Cayetano, due to his age, deteriorating health, and separation from family, it is appropriate for Duterte to remain at the Philippine embassy in The Hague while awaiting a decision.
Cayetano pointed out that Duterte deserves the presumption of innocence and respect as a former president. He also gave the example of the case of Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo from Congo in 2009, where the ICC allowed him to await a decision while under house arrest.
The senator urged the government to fight for Duterte's temporary release and arrange the necessary agreements with the ICC. According to him, this is a form of mercy and respect for Duterte who wants to be with his family in the last part of his life.
While incarcerated in The Hague, Duterte spoke to his 12-year-old grandson, and said “not everyone in prison is bad.” He insisted that he was in prison not for a crime but for fighting drugs for the country.
Vice President Sara Duterte said many of her father's allies disappeared from the scene when he was arrested. But she praised Sen. Imee Marcos who remained silent but helped with the case by meeting with Duterte's lawyer in The Hague.
