Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea stands as a legal counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte, March 14, 2025. International Criminal Court

MANILA — Malacanang on Tuesday appealed for calm among supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte following reports that certain OFW groups were planning to mount a “zero remittance week” to protest his arrest.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that the repercussions of such a plan would affect the country’s economy and OFWs’ families.

Castro reiterated that Philippine authorities only complied with the law during the former president’s arrest.

“Of course, mas gugustuhin po natin na maging mahinahon ang bawat Pilipino sa ganitong klaseng isyu. Sana po ay malaman din po nila na ang pamahalaan at ang gobyerno ay tumutupad lamang sa ating batas. At may mga Pilipino rin naman po na nagreklamo, nag-file ng complaint laban sa dating Pangulong Duterte, sana ay maging patas din po sila sa kanilang pananaw para po maibsan ‘no ang anumang puwedeng kahinatnan ng kanilang gagawin,” she said. 

“Pero siyempre po, kung hindi po sila magkakaroon at hindi sila magri-remit ng kanilang mga maaaring ipadala sa mga pamilya nila, hindi lamang po gobyerno ang maaapektuhan, pati ang kanilang mga pamilya. So, sana po ay maging mahinanon tayo sa ganitong mga klaseng issues.”

Rodrigo Duterte's supporters demand his release from ICC

NO PLANS YET TO REJOIN ICC  

Malacanang said there was no commitment from the Marcos administration on complying with any ICC, following reports that the tribunal could soon release a freeze order on ex-President Duterte’s assets.

“When it comes to the alleged incoming freeze order to be issued by the ICC, there is no commitment on our part, on the part of the administration if we will comply with any order issued by the ICC considering that the ICC as of the moment has no jurisdiction over the Philippines,” Castro said.

Asked whether the Philippines was looking to rejoin the ICC, the Palace official said there was no directive yet from Marcos on the matter.

“As we speak, we have not yet discussed any plan of rejoining the ICC. Iyong huli po nating nakausap ang Pangulo, tinanong po natin iyan nang personal at siya’y ngumiti lamang at sasabihin ko daw dapat na wala pa talagang napag-uusapan patungkol doon,” she said.

The 79-year-old former president faces a charge of crimes against humanity tied to his "war on drugs" in which thousands were killed.

He is currently in a detention center in The Hague, awaiting a confirmation of charges hearing on September 23, where he will have the opportunity to contest the accusations against him.

Duterte was bundled into a plane in Manila and brought to the Hague via Dubai, before facing an initial hearing two days later.

Duterte believes he has no case to answer at the International Criminal Court and is confident he has a strong legal argument, his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte said Sunday.

"He's very confident about the legal arguments. He's very confident... that what they did was wrong and there is no case to begin with," she told reporters.

Duterte arrest constitutes 'extraordinary rendition,' says VP Sara

— With a report from Agence France-Presse