Malacañang on Wednesday addressed swirling rumors that Vice President Sara Duterte is on the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest list, stressing that the government is not directly dealing with the tribunal.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro downplayed the talk as speculative.
“We have no official word on that. We are not directly communicating with the ICC. If there are questions, it’s best to ask the ICC. We’ve received no information from them,” Castro said in Filipino.
The issue erupted after Senator Imee Marcos claimed the Vice President’s name was on a list of individuals the ICC is eyeing to arrest reportedly in connection with the bloody war on drugs during the administration of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Marcos said Sara Duterte’s name was “farther down the list,” but rumors have swirled that she may soon become a primary focus of the ICC probe.
Duterte herself confirmed that she saw her name on the list but clarified that she is not among the top targets.
The ICC is investigating several individuals linked to the Duterte administration for their alleged roles in the controversial “Oplan Tokhang” anti-drug campaign which drew international attention for the widespread reports of extrajudicial killings.
Official government data placed the death toll at under 7,000, but human rights groups claimed it could be as high as 30,000 mostly poor people.
As speculation grows, the Palace reiterated that it is not engaged in any proceedings with the ICC and will not comment further.
“For now, any concerns about ICC actions should be addressed directly to them,” Castro said.