Victims of the war on drugs and human rights groups celebrate the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber’s decision denying former President Rodrigo Duterte’s interim release on November 28.

Gathering at the University of the Philippines Law Center in Quezon City, members of KARAPATAN, Rise Up for Life and for Rights, and National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) cheered as the Appeals Chamber confirmed that Duterte will remain behind bars. 

In a statement, Rise Up for Life and for Rights said that the families of drug-related killings are happy with the decision, adding that Duterte’s continuing detention minimizes risks to their safety and security. 

“Ngayon ngang nakakulong siya ay patuloy ang harassment na nararanasan namin at ng aming mga taga-suporta mula sa DDS supporters. Nagpapakalat sila ng mga pekeng impormasyon, binabansagan kaming sinungaling, pamilya ng mga adik at kung ano-ano pang masasakit na salita,” said Nanay Dahlia, relative of a victim. 

“Magsa-sampung taon na kaming humihiyaw ng hustisya pero hindi kami mapapagod para sa aming mga mahal sa buhay,” the statement added, calling on the ICC to dismiss the other appeals made by Duterte, proceed with the confirmation of charges, and arrest Duterte’s co-perpetrators, such as Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. 

Meanwhile, the NUPL described the decision as an assurance that Duterte “cannot simply intimidate persons, interfere with the evidence, or disrupt proceedings.” 

“With this final decision on his request for interim release, parties can now focus on two other issues on hand — the issue of jurisdiction, raised with the Appeals Chamber; and the issue of Duterte’s fitness to stand trial, pending with the Pre-Trial Chamber.” 

On the other hand, KARAPATAN Secretary General Cristina Palabay said that with the decision, the hearing on the confirmation of charges should immediately commence with no delays, as “victims have already waited far too long for Duterte’s trial to begin.” 

“We welcome this ruling as just and necessary… Justice and accountability remain our goals, this ruling brings us another step closer,” Palabay added. 

Senate relay mixed reactions over ICC decision 

Senator Robin Padilla expressed sadness over the ICC’s rejection stating, “Malungkot, syempre, kasi tagal kong inantay ‘yun.” 

“Nung nagbabasa na ‘yung judge, ‘yung nasabi na niya ‘yung mga merits, sabi ko sa aking lawyer, wala na ‘to.’” 

Padilla said that due to his old age, Duterte poses no threat anymore.

“Matanda na si Digong. Hindi naman tayo humihingi ng kahit ano na hindi naman siya threat. Kasi sinasabi threat,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, who served as Special Assistant to the President during Duterte’s administration, called for prayers and support.

He added that in the end, truth and justice will prevail. 

“Patuloy kong ipagdarasal na gabayan tayong lahat at makita ng buong mundo ang kabuuan ng katotohanan at tuluyang makalabas si Tatay Digong sa tamang panahon. Ang importante ngayon ay patuloy po nating ipagdasal ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ni Tatay Digong.”

“In the end, our faith remains—in the law, in due process, and in God,” he added. 

Mamamayang Liberal Party Representative Leila De Lima said that the decision was “as expected,” noting that the Duterte camp should blame themselves over the ICC’s ruling. 

“Wala namang ibang may kasalanan dito kung hindi si Duterte at kanyang mga pamilya at supporters sa kanilang mga statements sa media na ginamit ng ICC Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) sa pag-deny sa interim release, na sinang-ayunan naman ng Appeals Chamber,” she said in a statement. 

She added that Duterte’s children and supporters should slow down, specifically Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who she doubts will remain careful. 

“Siguro maghinay-hinay muna ang mga anak at supporters ni Duterte lalo na si Baste, na kamakailan lang ay nagdeklara na maglilista na naman ng mga adik para sa panibagong drug war sa Davao.” 

“Mga ganitong deklarasyon ang hindi nakakatulong sa kanyang ama. Pero alam naman natin, kailan pa ba naghinay-hinay ang isang Duterte? Special sila. Nakakulong na nga ang ama, patuloy pa rin ang kanilang impunity,” she said. 

On the other hand, Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV said that the Duterte camp should stop giving their supporters “false hopes,” as he doubts that the former President can still return to the Philippines. 

“Ngayon na natuldukan na yang interim release na yan, sana ay ‘wag nang magpaasa ang leaders ng duterte camp sa mga supporters nila. ‘Di na makakalaya si duterte bilang kabayaran sa libu-libong Pilipinong pinapatay nya.” 

To recall, the Appeals Chamber on November 28 found no errors in the Pre-Trial Chamber I’s September decision, which concluded that Duterte poses a flight risk, could intimidate witnesses, and might commit new crimes if freed.

The court reasoned that Duterte’s status as former president, his recent election as Davao City mayor, and his network of political supporters justify keeping him detained.

According to the decision read by presiding judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, Duterte’s defense “failed to demonstrate” that the lower court made mistakes in its assessment. 

“The Appeals Chamber thus unanimously confirmed the Pre-Trial Chamber’s decision of 26 September 2025,” the ICC said.

Duterte’s family said that they accept the decision with “peaceful hearts,” while the Palace says that it respects it. 

Since the interim release has been rejected by both the pre-trial and appeals chamber, the only remaining question is whether Duterte, who has been detained since March due to alleged crimes against humanity, is fit or not to stand in trial.