SENATORIAL aspirant Gregorio ‘Gringo’ Honasan yesterday, April 10, revealed that House Rep. Rodante Marcoleta will present a petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, calling for former President Rodrigo Duterte to be brought back to the Philippines.
At a press conference here, Honasan said the petition, backed by a nationwide signature campaign, aims to demonstrate public support for Duterte’s return and trial in the Philippines rather than abroad.
Honasan, known for his role in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, argued that Duterte’s arrest and possible trial under the ICC violates Filipino customs and national dignity.
“He [Marcoleta] might go to The Hague to present the signatures we have gathered,” Honasan said.
He criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier statement affirming that the Philippine courts are fully functioning. Honasan questioned the need for international prosecution if the country’s legal system is effective and highlighted that the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019.
Citing his own experience, Honasan recalled being arrested, granted bail, and tried locally — similar to former President Joseph Estrada, who was convicted and later pardoned following a domestic trial.
“All in the Philippines. Why Duterte? Coming from Hong Kong, he was put on a plane without even being allowed to change clothes. The nurses in charge of his medication weren’t even allowed to approach him,” Honasan said, describing what he claims was an unjust process witnessed by Duterte’s daughter’s partner.
Sending Duterte to the Netherlands, he added, goes against Filipino values of respect, decency, and due process.
Honasan said the group plans to coordinate with non-government organizations to authenticate the signatures collected.
As of press time, he could not provide an exact count of signatures but expressed confidence the petition would be submitted to the ICC.
