MANILA — The Palace shouldered the cost of chartering the jet that brought former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague in the Netherlands, an official confirmed Friday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said chartering the flight was part of extending assistance to the International Criminal Police Organization, Interpol, in serving the International Criminal Court warrant on the former president.

Philippines to ensure Duterte gets fair trial at ICC: Palace

"Sabi nga po natin, 'pag hiningi po ang assistance siyempre po dapat kumpleto po, dahil kung wala naman pong ipo-provide na sasakyan para madala po ang dating pangulo sa ICC, eh parang hindi rin po naging kumpleto ang pagtugon natin sa ating commitment to the Interpol," she said at a press briefing.

(As we said, if they ask for assistance, we should give complete support. Without that airplane to bring the former president to the ICC, it would be like an incomplete response to our commitment to Interpol)

Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier Friday said that the Philippine government paid for the flight.

Castro, when asked about how much the charter cost the government, said she did not have complete information to comment on that.

"Maaari po siguro ay hindi ko agad masasabi, kung meron man po ah, dahil meron pong kaugnayan ito sa isang pribadong korporasyon," she also said.

(It may be that I cannot say right now because it may involve a private corporation)

'Hindi Ako': Party-list rep denies rumors he owns jet flying Duterte to Netherlands

A Gulfstream G550 jet carrying Duterte landed at Rotterdam-The Hague Airport on March 13, 2025 following his arrest for charges of crimes against humanity before the ICC.

Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co earlier this week disputed online rumors that he is the owner of the aircraft.