Senators react to Rodrigo Duterte's first in-person appearance before ICC

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Some senators on Thursday shared their reactions after former president Rodrigo Duterte made his first in-person appearance before the International Criminal Court.

Senator JV Ejercito told reporters that he felt sad seeing Duterte, whom he described as “very frail.”

“May lungkot akong naramdaman nung nakita ko siya for the first time in a long time na siyempre parang buto’t balat na eh. Napakapayat, very frail, ang haba ng buhok… I have to admit, may kalungkutan akong naramdaman nung nakita ko siya,” Ejercito said.

(I felt sad when I saw him for the first time in a long time because he is very thin and very frail, with his hair grown long. I have to admit, I felt a sense of sadness when I saw him.)

When asked for a comment on the reaction of families of victims of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, the senator said, "Let justice take its course.”

“Let justice take its course kung saan hahantong ito. Kaya lang, sa akin kasi history will be the final judge. Para sa akin kahit sino, kahit sinong presidente… Hindi tayo Diyos para humusga,” Ejercito said.

(Let justice take its course and see where it leads. But for me, history will be the final judge. As far as I’m concerned, whoever it may be, even any president, we are not God to pass judgment.)

Dressed in a black jacket and white button-down polo, Duterte attended the third status conference in his crimes against humanity case as part of preparations for his trial, which is set to begin on November 30.

Meanwhile, Senator Bong Go, a long-time aide of Duterte, posted a photo of the former president with the caption “Tatay Digong” and a green heart emoji.

Duterte ally Senator Robin Padilla said he is happy to see the former president but sad at the thought of his condition in the detention facility.

“Ako po ay nabigla at hindi inaasahan na tulo ang luha sa tuwa at nakita na siya ngunit binalot ng lungko dahil batid ko na malakas lang ang loob ni Tatay Digong. Kaya ng tapang at malasakit pero hindi na kaya ng 81 years old niyang katawan ang kulungan,” Padilla said.

(I was caught off guard and tears of joy fell when I saw him. But I am also sad because I know that Tatay Digong is strong-willed. He has courage and compassion, but his 81-year-old body can no longer endure being in prison.)

Senator Rodante Marcoleta, another ally of the Dutertes, said he was happy to see the former president in good condition.

“Nakita ko na siya na maganda ang kaniyang kalayagan kung titingnan mo ang kaniyang mukha. I am happy for him,” Marcoleta said.

(I saw that he was in good condition, judging from his appearance. I am happy for him.)

Unlike the previous two hearings, Duterte did not waive his appearance.

“This is the first time that Mr. Duterte has been in this court. As far as the trial chamber is concerned, if he wishes to leave for any reason, he may do so,” Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said.

Duterte was arrested and taken to The Hague on March 12, 2025. He last appeared before the ICC via video link on March 14, 2025.—AOL, GMA News