Manila: Malaca±ang on Saturday criticized the camp of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte for allegedly distorting facts concerning his request for interim release from the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

According to Philippines News Agency, Duterte's legal counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, submitted a redacted document dated September 26 to the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber 1. In this document, Kaufman relayed the supposed position of the Philippine government, referencing a recent statement by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro. Kaufman claimed that Malaca±ang would not oppose Duterte's interim release based on Castro's remarks that 'Vice President Sara Duterte seemed to benefit from her travels abroad after she said that a third country already expressed approval to host her father.'

In response, Castro stated that Kaufman 'appears to have mastered the art of twisting some facts,' referencing a previous instance where Kaufman claimed that the ICC had no objection to Duterte's interim release request-a claim that was later contradicted by a filing from the ICC prosecutor.

Castro emphasized that the current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has no involvement in Duterte's case before the ICC, particularly regarding his request for interim release. She asserted that while the Philippine government is not involved, it will respect the ICC's decision on the matter.

In a court document signed by ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, Duterte has been charged with three counts of murder against humanity for the deaths of 78 individuals during his anti-illegal drugs campaign, both as Davao City mayor and during his presidency.