Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has brushed off speculation that his unannounced visit to Hong Kong was an attempt to evade a possible International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant over his controversial drug crackdown.
Duterte, alongside his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, addressed a campaign rally at Southorn Stadium in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district on Sunday. The event, held in support of his party’s senatorial candidates ahead of the Philippines’ May 12 midterm elections, drew thousands of Filipino expatriates.
During his speech, laced with expletives, Duterte referenced reports about a potential ICC warrant and reiterated his defiance. “I’m ready to be jailed,” he declared, dismissing concerns about possible legal action against him.
The ICC has been investigating allegations of crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s war on drugs, which saw thousands killed during his presidency. However, Philippine authorities have refused to cooperate with the court, arguing that the country withdrew from the ICC’s jurisdiction in 2019.
