Manila: The Philippines is an ‘independent’ country, Malaca±ang stated on Thursday, dismissing claims that the nation has become a ‘province of The Hague.’ Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the country’s sovereignty, countering such insinuations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Imee Marcos expressed her discontent during a Senate hearing on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest. She questioned the perceived allowance of ‘outsiders’ to intervene by surrendering Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for charges of crimes against humanity related to his drug war.

Castro clarified that the Philippine government is adhering to Republic Act (RA) 9851, which permits the surrender or extradition of accused persons to international courts. She insisted that the Senate hearing should not be viewed as a criticism of the current administration, despite the senator being President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s sister.

Furthermore, Castro highlighted the President’s openness to the Senate investigation, asserting that it demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency and legal compliance. She noted that avoiding engagement and communication could suggest concealment, a practice the administration seeks to avoid. The President, according to Castro, will not replicate past practices of non-cooperation when Cabinet members were summoned by the Senate.

Duterte, currently detained at the ICC Detention Center in The Hague, Netherlands, faces an arrest warrant over alleged crimes against humanity during his anti-drug campaign from Nov. 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019. He is scheduled to attend the ICC’s next hearing on Sept. 23 to confirm the charges against him.