COUNT THE DOWN UNDER OUT: Australia nixes ‘floated’ Duterte hosting bid

National

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte won’t be heading Down Under if he walks out of The Hague.

This, after, Australia has declined to host the former Philippine president despite being floated as a possible destination by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.

Australia’s rejection follows the Vice President’s remarks during her recent trip to Melbourne, where she disclosed that her father’s legal team had been exploring countries that could receive him on interim release if approved by the International Criminal Court (ICC). She later clarified that no formal request had been submitted to the Australian government.

“I saw an email by a certain Hasna of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,” she said in a Philstar report, noting that the defense team had never reached out to Australia. She added that two other countries were being considered, and Australia was not among them.

Vice President Duterte also revealed that she sent an informal message to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, informing her of her presence in the country and her plan to attend a rally. According to the vice president, the message was simply a friendly gesture and not part of any official diplomatic effort.

Wong, she said, was unavailable to meet.

Philippine Government: not cooperating, but assisting witnesses

The Philippine government has reiterated that it is not formally cooperating with the ICC in the Duterte case, even as it provides protection to several prosecution witnesses under the Department of Justice’s Witness Protection Program.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the assistance is rooted in the government’s duty to ensure justice, regardless of who the witnesses are or which body is hearing the case. She emphasized that this support does not equate to direct collaboration with the ICC.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier confirmed that three or four witnesses identified by the ICC have been under state protection since May, following a request from the court. He explained that the protection falls under Republic Act 9851, the country’s law addressing international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity.

Remulla said the ICC remains responsible for transporting and safeguarding the witnesses abroad. He clarified that these measures do not signify a return to the ICC’s jurisdiction or membership.

ICC counsel flags risks of release

Opposition to Duterte’s request for interim release is intensifying. The ICC’s Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) has filed a formal objection, raising concerns about potential risks to justice and safety.

Principal Counsel Paolina Massidda argued that Duterte’s political stature, financial capacity, and extensive networks could increase the risk of flight. The OPCV also noted that many victims fear he will use his influence to avoid trial or retaliate against those involved in the proceedings.

The submission cited Duterte’s reelection as Davao mayor and his continued popularity as evidence of his enduring power. His past statements dismissing the court’s authority were also highlighted as indicators that he may not cooperate fully with the ICC if released.(MyTVCebu)