By MANILA, Philippines — The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP)-Laban on Saturday said that the International Criminal Court (ICC), aided by the Philippine government, decided to make former President Rodrigo Duterte its “whipping boy” to divert attention from corruption scandals and systematic failure.
This statement, penned by deputy spokesperson Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, came after the five-member of the Appeals Chamber of the ICC on Friday rejected the interim release of Duterte, which upheld the decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) I to keep the former president detained by the ICC in The Hague, the Netherlands while investigation is ongoing. The PTC I found out that Duterte’s release would pose risk to witnesses, evidence, and integrity of the investigation.
