Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday said there is no reason for investors to be concerned despite political tensions following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for alleged crimes against humanity.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that foreign investors value a country and leader that adhere to the rule of law. "Hindi po naalarma ang administrasyon patungkol po sa investors dahil ang mga foreign investors po ay mas gusto po nila na ang bansa at ang mga lider ay sumusunod sa batas (The administration is not alarmed regarding investors because foreign investors prefer a country and leaders that follow the law)," Castro said.

Duterte is accused of involvement in the killings of drug suspects when he was Davao City mayor and when he was president. He made his first ICC appearance via video link on March 14. The court has scheduled a hearing on Sept. 23 to confirm the charges.

Castro dismissed concerns that the ICC case could deter foreign investors, arguing that they do not support leaders who protect individuals involved in serious crimes. "Hindi po nagkakanlong ng mga tao na involved po lalong lalo na sa crimes against humanity, specifically murder. Hindi po ina-ayunan talaga 'yan ng mga foreign investors (We do not shelter people involved, especially in crimes against humanity, specifically murder. Foreign investors do not approve of with that)," Castro said.