Akbayan: Duterte’s ICC challenge is a hollow bluff – but we're ready to take him up on it

Akbayan Partylist Rep. Perci Cendaña has called former President Rodrigo Duterte’s latest dare to the International Criminal Court (ICC) an empty bluff, vowing that Akbayan stands ready to bring Duterte to justice at the ICC following his bold remarks at the recent House Quad Committee hearing.

When asked if he would cooperate with the ICC’s investigation, Duterte dismissed the need for delay, urging the ICC to begin the probe “as soon as tomorrow.” He even quipped that the Quad Committee should fund his trip to the ICC.

In response, Cendaña affirmed that they are willing to call Duterte's bluff and ensure he faces the ICC.

“Let’s go, Mr. Duterte, to the ICC. We are prepared to help bring you there and hold you accountable for the thousands of innocent lives lost under your bloody drug war,” Cendaña stated.

Cendaña emphasized that Duterte’s challenge to the ICC reveals more than just an invitation; it exposes a man attempting to control the narrative while evading serious allegations. Duterte’s administration has been implicated in widespread human rights abuses, with over 6,500 official deaths of alleged drug suspects and far higher numbers reported by human rights advocates.

“Duterte’s claim to welcome an ICC probe ‘tomorrow’ rings hollow, especially after years of avoiding accountability. His words are a desperate tactic to deflect and manipulate,” Cendaña asserted. “But justice is relentless, and the truth will not be intimidated by theatrics.”