MANILA — International Criminal Court (ICC) Assistant to Counsel Atty. Kristina Conti said Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano’s recent defense of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs could have implications on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s ongoing case before the international tribunal.

In a media report, it said that Conti said Cayetano’s statements may be interpreted as evidence that Duterte still has strong political support in the Philippines, which she said could be relevant to the ICC’s assessment of possible risks related to evasion of justice or interference in proceedings.

“E ‘yung statement lang ni Allan Peter Cayetano… na sinasabi niyang it was about [pro] life, ang gustong patayin ay drugs sa war on drugs. Senyales na ‘yon na malakas pa rin ang kapit at mukhang may tutulong sa kaniyang tumakas kung sakaling makauwi,” Conti said.

She added that if supporters are looking for accountability over Duterte’s legal situation, they should also consider those who continue to defend the drug war policy.

“Kaya kung may sisihin po na hindi makalabas para po sa supporter ng dating pangulo, ang sisihin ninyo po ay si Duterte sa pag gawa niya ng excuse letter na ganiyan [at] si Allan Peter Cayetano, isama ninyo na dahil dine-defend niya yung war on drugs,” she said.

In a Facebook livestream, Cayetano previously described Duterte’s anti-drug campaign as a “human rights” and “pro-life” initiative aimed at protecting communities, saying many supporters viewed it as a legitimate policy response.

Cayetano was Duterte’s vice-presidential running mate in the 2016 elections and later served as foreign affairs secretary and House speaker under his administration.

Conti also discussed Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s situation, saying Senator Robin Padilla could face potential liability under ICC rules equivalent to obstruction of justice.

She cited Article 70 of the ICC framework, which covers offenses against the administration of justice, but stressed that proof of coordinated action would be necessary.

“Kaya ang pinaka at risk po ay si Senator Padilla, dahil sa panahon na tinakas niya, isinama niya palabas si Bato dela Rosa, fugitive na maituturing si Bato noon,” she said.

Conti said the ICC has already been informed of the matter, noting that several individuals named in the case, including Senator Bong Go, could potentially be subject to arrest warrants depending on their level of responsibility.

Dela Rosa is among those identified as co-perpetrators in the ICC’s crimes against humanity case linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

The ICC Trial Chamber III is set to hold its first status conference on May 27, 2026, where procedural matters such as trial scheduling and language use will be discussed.