MANILA – Senator Robin Padilla, together with supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte, submitted the third batch of signatures to the Supreme Court (SC), urging the justices to act on pending petitions related to Duterte’s arrest.

“Nandito po kami muli para dalin po namin sa ating Kataastaasang Hukuman ang mga nakalap po naming pirma, ang mga kababayan po natin na humihiling na sana po ay desisyonan na ng ating mga hukom ang amin pong hiling,” Padilla said.
(We are here again to bring to the SC the signatures we have gathered, from our fellow citizens who are requesting that our justices finally decide on our plea.)

The first signature campaign was filed in February, with the second batch submitted in early March. Volunteer Joei Cruz said they have collected a total of 304,000 signatures. During the filing, supporters also posed with a mascot representing the former president.

Cruz noted that the first two campaigns were “acknowledged” by the SC, but no formal order or written communication has been received beyond that acknowledgment.

“Kaya po tayo gumagawa ng ganito para makapagdesisyon slla,” Padilla said.
(We are doing this so that they will decide.)

Duterte was arrested in March 2025 on charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC), relating to killings during his tenure as Davao City mayor and as president. Shortly after, Duterte and Senator Ronald dela Rosa petitioned the SC to prevent the Philippine government from cooperating with the ICC and Interpol.

Three of Duterte’s children—Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, and Davao City Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte—have also filed petitions, which remain pending with the SC.

From February 23 to 27, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I conducted a confirmation of charges hearing for Duterte, which will determine whether the charges are confirmed, the proceedings stopped, or further investigation is required.