To show support for former President Rodrigo Duterte, former legal counsel to the President Atty. Salvador Panelo, attended a prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, on Saturday, March 15.

 Panelo condemned the actions of the Philippine government, and accused them of allegedly violating the law by allowing the International Criminal Court (ICC) to "intervene" in Duterte’s affairs.

“Sinuko nila ang soberenya ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagsuko sa isang mamamayan. Walang jurisdiction ang ICC. Hindi lamang sila ang tumulong, sila na mismo ang nag-aresto kay dating pangulong Duterte,” Panelo claimed.

 Rodrigo Duterte makes first ICC appearance

“Ang mga tao rito ngayon ay naririto upang iparamdam sa gobyerno ang mga kamalian na ginagawa nila at upang ipamukha sa kanila na kataksilan ang pagpapakanulo ng dating Presidente Duterte sa mga dayuhan na walang kapangyarihan o karapatan na kunin o litisin ang dating pangulong Duterte,” he added.

Duterte was taken into custody by Philippine authorities in compliance with an ICC arrest warrant issued under seal on March 7, 2025. He was subsequently handed over to ICC custody in The Hague on March 12.

Duterte made his first appearance at the ICC on Friday.

He is accused of the crime against humanity of murder over his years-long campaign against drug users and dealers that rights groups said killed thousands.

In the prosecutor's application for his arrest, he said Duterte's alleged crimes were "part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against the civilian population in the Philippines."

"Potentially tens of thousands of killings were perpetrated," the prosecutor alleged of the campaign that targeted mostly poor men, often without proof they were linked to drugs.

'CALL TO ACTION'

Panelo said their rally was not just a form of protest but a call to action for the government. 

“Pag hindi sila nakinig yan ang simula ng pagbagsak ng pamahalaan… Lahat yan. Lahat ng mga salita at pahayag ng Pilipino ay palaging nakadirekta sa pamahalaan, sa lahat ng opisyales, sa presidente, at lahat ng iniluklok ng taumbayan sa kapangyarihan,” he said.

He also expressed concern for Duterte’s health, following the latter’s first appearance before the ICC.

"Ang importante sa akin ‘yong kalagayan ni pangulong Duterte. Nanghihina. Garagal ang tinig niya. Talagang may sakit. Dapat sa ospital nila dalhin ‘yon, hindi sa kulungan,” Panelo stated.

Sounding frail and wearing a blue suit and tie, Duterte spoke briefly at the ICC hearing to confirm his name and date of birth. The presiding judge allowed him to follow proceedings in absentia due to his long flight to The Hague.

Duterte's lawyer, former executive secretary Salvador Medialdeam said the former leader was suffering "debilitating medical issues." 

But ICC Judge Iulia Motoc told Duterte: "The court doctor was of the opinion that you were fully mentally aware and fit". 

ICC arrest, impeachment leave Duterte clan's political future in doubt 

Panelo said has not talked to Vice President Sara Duterte since the she flew to The Netherlands to visit his father.

When asked if he would travel to The Hague, Panelo said he may consider doing so in the future but for now, his focus remains on advocating for Duterte’s return to the Philippines. 

Meanwhile, the Manila Police District reported that the crowd at the prayer rally was around 2,000 people as of 5 p.m.

The rally, organized by Duterte's supporters, called for the Philippine government to bring the former president home from his detention at the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands.