The Filipino-Australian community, led by the Philippine Australian Social Club for Good Governance Incorporated (PASCGGI), has united in a remarkable show of solidarity and advocacy, formally petitioning the Australian Government to support the humanitarian interim release of former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. With the support of Filipino organisations across every Australian state and territory, this petition calls on Australia to consider taking on the role of host country should the International Criminal Court (ICC) approve Mr. Duterte’s conditional release during ongoing proceedings related to his administration’s war on drugs.
Far from being a political campaign, this is a humanitarian appeal grounded in the values of due process, compassion, and international legal fairness. It reflects a nuanced understanding of Australia’s respected role on the global stage and highlights the Filipino diaspora’s trust in Australia’s rule of law, justice system, and commitment to upholding human rights.
Legal Background and Community Concerns
Rodrigo Roa Duterte, now 80 years old, faces proceedings before the ICC over allegations tied to extrajudicial killings during his presidency, particularly linked to his aggressive anti-drug campaign. While these charges are undeniably serious, PASCGGI and its supporters assert that interim release does not pre-judge guilt or innocence. Rather, it ensures humane treatment during judicial processes, particularly when age, medical conditions, and willingness to cooperate are evident.
Legal precedents from the ICC and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) support the case for interim release. In 2015, the ICC granted Jean-Pierre Bemba interim release on humanitarian grounds. In the 1995 Dusko Tadić case, the ICTY emphasized that pre-trial detention should be the exception, particularly when health and family circumstances mitigate the risk of flight.
The petitioners argue that Duterte fits within these criteria. He is not a flight risk, is in deteriorating health, has demonstrated cooperation with legal processes, and has significant community and familial ties that support compliance with ICC requirements.
Australia’s Opportunity for Global Leadership
The call to action is a unique opportunity for the Australian Government to demonstrate global leadership in ensuring that international justice is delivered fairly, transparently, and humanely.
Australia is a State Party to the Rome Statute of the ICC and has consistently positioned itself as a defender of human rights and international law. Offering to act as a host country for Mr. Duterte under strict legal conditions imposed by the ICC would reinforce Australia’s commitment to the balance between justice and compassion, a principle vital to international diplomacy and the credibility of global judicial institutions.
Moreover, Australia’s strong ties with the Philippines and the vibrant Filipino-Australian community, one of the fastest-growing migrant populations in the country, give it both a moral and diplomatic imperative to engage constructively with this issue. As allies in the Indo-Pacific region, Australia and the Philippines share decades of cultural, strategic, and economic ties — ties that this initiative could further strengthen.
Community Commitment: A National Coalition Speaks
This petition is not the voice of a single organisation but a nationwide coalition of Filipino-Australian groups who stand united in their advocacy:
- DDS Queensland (QLD)
- Adelaide Filipino Group (SA)
- Hakbang ng Maisug International Melbourne (VIC)
- DDS Darwin (NT)
- FilACT Australia (ACT)
- Tasmania Filipino Group (TAS)
- Western Australia Filipino Group (WA)
These organisations, under the guidance of PASCGGI, have pledged extensive community support should Australia agree to become a host state. Their commitments include:
- Health and Welfare Assurance: Securing private health insurance and aged care support to ensure no cost to the Australian public.
- Security and Compliance Measures: Providing volunteers to support supervision efforts and maintain compliance with ICC and Australian law.
- Financial Guarantees: Offering funding assistance for any necessary logistics, housing, and administrative requirements associated with the interim release.
In addition to these pledges, the petitioners have conducted a community-wide online survey, yielding overwhelming support. Respondents were asked whether Australia should consider hosting Mr. Duterte, taking into account humanitarian concerns and Australia’s international responsibilities. The majority responded positively, with many also offering to sign a formal petition.
This data-driven engagement has been supplemented by real-world activism, including prayer rallies, public appeals, events attended by Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, social media campaigns, and community meetings, which have been held across cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin, Perth, Hobart, and Canberra.
Concerns Around Arrest and Fair Treatment
In light of Mr. Duterte’s arrest and transfer to ICC custody on 11 March 2025, questions have been raised by some sectors in the Philippines about the legality and due process surrounding his detention. Members of the Philippine Senate have voiced concerns regarding whether constitutional protections were fully observed.
In this context, PASCGGI contends that Australia’s involvement would offer a stabilising force, ensuring Duterte’s rights are preserved while allowing the ICC’s legal process to unfold with dignity and oversight.
Not a Shield, But a Standard of Justice
Critics of the appeal might argue that offering an interim release to an accused figure like Duterte sets a dangerous precedent. The petitioners counter this by stating that interim release is not immunity. It is not a denial of justice but an affirmation of humane legal treatment, consistent with global legal standards.
This movement seeks not to absolve Mr. Duterte of accountability, but rather to ensure that his age, health, and history as a long-time public servant are fairly taken into consideration. Justice, they assert, must not be reduced to vengeance or political theatre — it must be tempered with compassion and fairness.
Final Appeal to the Australian Government
The Filipino-Australian community respectfully urges the Australian Government to:
- Issue a public statement supporting the humanitarian principle of interim release in accordance with ICC rules and Australia’s legal obligations.
- Express Australia’s willingness to serve as a host country, under strictly monitored and lawful conditions, for former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
- Engage in collaborative dialogue with Filipino-Australian representatives and the ICC to formulate a legally sound and morally upright arrangement, ensuring both justice and dignity are upheld.
Conclusion: Justice with Humanity, Australia’s Role on the Global Stage
The case of former President Rodrigo Duterte is one that has captured international attention, polarising, emotional, and layered in complexity. However, beyond the courtroom lies a broader issue: how the world strikes a balance between justice and humanity.
For Australia, this is a moment to lead, not by defending an individual, but by defending the process, the principles, and the possibility that even those accused of grave crimes deserve fair treatment while awaiting judgment.
The Filipino-Australian community, in all its diversity and commitment, stands ready to walk alongside the Australian Government in navigating this moral and legal responsibility. They deeply believe in Australia’s values — and now they appeal to those values in the name of justice, fairness, and humanity.
For more information, supporting documents, and contact with organisers, the Philippine Australian Social Club for Good Governance Incorporated welcomes engagement with government stakeholders, media, and the broader Australian public.
