Duterte supporters submit third batch of signatures to SC

Senator Robin Padilla, along with other supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte, on Monday submitted the third batch of their signature campaign to the Supreme Court (SC) and called on the court to act on pending petitions regarding the former chief executive’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 with the SC in February while the second campaign was filed in early March.

Volunteer Joei Cruz said they have gathered a total of 304,000 signatures.

During the filing, supporters also took pictures with a mascot representing the former president. 

Meanwhile, Cruz said the first two campaigns were “acknowledged” by the SC.

“Wala pa kaming na-receive na kahit anong order or communication in writing except for that acknowledgment,” she said. 

(We did not receive any order or communication in writing except for that acknowledgement.) 

Meanwhile, Padilla denied that they feel that the SC is taking too long in deciding. 

“Kaya po tayo gumagawa ng ganito para makapagdesisyon slla,” he said.

(We are doing this so that they will decide.)

To recall, Duterte was arrested in March 2025 on charges of crimes against humanity before the ICC for killings during his time as Davao mayor and president. 

LOOKING BACK: When Rodrigo Duterte was arrested for crimes against humanity

Shortly after, Duterte and Senator Ronald dela Rosa asked the SC to prohibit 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 before the court.

The petitions are still pending with the SC.

From February 23 to 27, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I held Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing. The court will decide whether to confirm the charges and commit him to trial, stop the proceedings, or to direct further investigation. — BM, GMA Integrated News