The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Davao City Chapter has urged the national government to assert national sovereignty following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

“We urge the government to firmly assert our national sovereignty while ensuring that justice is pursued in accordance with our Constitution and domestic laws,” IBP-Davao City said in a statement.

Duterte is a member of IBP-Davao City chapter.

The group of lawyers argued that the International Criminal Court (ICC) does not have jurisdiction over the Philippines after the country withdrew from the ICC on March 17, 2019.

“We likewise reaffirm that the ICC cannot unilaterally impose obligations upon a non-member state, nor should it be used to undermine the Philippine legal system,” IBP-Davao City added.

IBP-Davao City also said any action on an ICC-issued warrant must strictly adhere to Philippine laws, to ensure national sovereignty and to protect the rights of its citizenry.

IBP-Davao City also called on all branches of government, the legal community, law enforcement, and the public to treat the issue with prudence, fairness, and commitment to the Constitution.

“This moment is a defining test for the Philippines. The world is watching how we balance sovereignty, justice, and the rule of law,” IBP-Davao City said.

Duterte was arrested for crimes against humanity, according to a report by GMA News Online.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office said that when the former president arrived in Manila, a prosecutor general from the ICC had served a warrant of arrest against him.

“Kaninang madaling araw, natanggap ng INTERPOL Manila ang official copy ng warrant of arrest mula sa International Criminal Court (ICC),” the PCO said.