The fake news case against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) is becoming a hot topic after National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago flatly rejected an order from the International Criminal Court (ICC) that lawyer Claire had submitted. The decision immediately caused controversy and raised questions about the ICC’s authority and influence within the Philippines.
According to sources, lawyer Claire, who is said to be cooperating with the ICC, sought to push for an investigation order into the allegations of spreading fake news involving PRRD. The content of the order has not been fully disclosed, but many speculate that it is related to disinformation campaigns and their impact on the former president’s image.
However, the move was quickly rejected by NBI Director Jaime Santiago, citing legal and national sovereignty reasons.
In a strong statement, Jaime Santiago asserted that **the Philippines is not obliged to comply with the ICC’s order**, as the country withdrew from the International Criminal Court in 2019 under the PRRD.
*”The Philippines has its own judicial system and does not need a foreign organization to interfere in our internal affairs,”* Santiago declared.
He also questioned the motive behind the order, suggesting that it could be part of a political campaign to undermine the credibility of some powerful figures in the Philippines.
Public opinion was immediately divided after Santiago’s statement.
PRRD supporters** welcomed the NBI’s decision, saying it was the right move to protect national sovereignty. They said the Philippines should not have to submit to an international organization that has been criticized for being politically motivated.
Opponents**, however, believe that the NBI is deliberately trying to prevent a fair investigation. They fear that if there is indeed a disinformation campaign, the ICC’s rejection of the warrant could cause the case to fade into oblivion.
Claire has yet to officially respond to the NBI’s rejection. However, many speculate that she may continue to seek other legal remedies, or even call on other international organizations to intervene to increase pressure on the Philippine government.
With the controversy still unresolved, the big question is whether this case will lead to a larger legal confrontation between the Philippine government and the ICC.
Is this a **deliberate political move** or simply a legal issue? And more importantly, **will the truth about fake news related to PRRD ever be clarified?**
Any further developments will certainly attract special public attention.
NBI Chief Jaime Santiago: ICC warrant vs. Rody ‘fake news’
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago on Sunday shut down the swirling speculation that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued an arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte by calling it fake news.
“ Negative ho Sir… mukha(‘ng) fake news yan!,” Santiago said when asked if there was any official confirmation from their end about the supposed warrant.
Social media and news outlets reported over the weekend that Duterte had fled the Philippines for Hong Kong to escape an imminent ICC arrest linked to his controversial war on drugs.
