Two Facebook (FB) posts are claiming that former president Rodrigo Duterte, who faces crimes against humanity charges related to his administration’s bloody drug war, might return to the Philippines on May 31, the birthday of his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. This has no basis.
Published on May 16, along with a graphic containing the text, “ICC, SEND PRRD HOME!”, the FB users wrote in their captions, respectively:
“PRRD will be home possible (sic) on May 31, 2025.
Thank you to all who pray. God is good all the time.” All that happens for a reason.”
“Possibleng makauwi si Tatay D ngayong May 31, 2025. InshaAllah
Sama sama nating ipanalangin na tuloy tuloy ito Pilipinas ICC, send PRRD home
(Tatay D might be able to come home this May 31, 2025. InshaAllah
Let’s all pray together that this will happen, Philippines. ICC, send PRRD home)”
This is unproven. Duterte remains in Scheveningen, the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) detention facility in The Hague, The Netherlands.
As of May 20, there are no verified news reports or official announcements on the ICC’s Facebook page and website regarding Duterte returning to the Philippines on May 31 or anytime soon.
In a 38-page filing dated May 1, defense lawyers of Duterte have challenged the ICC’s jurisdiction and sought his “immediate and unconditional release,” stating that “there is no legal basis” for the continuation of the proceedings against the former Philippine leader. As of writing, the court has yet to decide on the challenge.
Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing has been provisionally scheduled to begin on Sept. 23.
The unproven claims surfaced four days after Duterte secured a landslide victory in the Davao City mayoral race for the May 12 midterm elections, despite being currently behind bars at The Hague.
The baseless FB posts have collectively garnered 7,300 reactions, 1,489 comments, and 3,124 shares.
