One of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal representatives has refuted claims that Duterte sought asylum in China. This denial comes amidst reports suggesting the alleged application was rejected, compelling the former leader to return to the Philippines following his trip to Hong Kong.
The controversy began when media outlets reported that Duterte had attempted to secure asylum in China, only to face rejection. These reports coincided with Duterte’s return to the Philippines, where he was subsequently arrested on March 11 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The arrest was linked to an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s controversial war on drugs.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the matter, stating unequivocally that the Chinese government had never received any asylum application from Duterte or his family. Guo emphasized that Duterte’s visit to Hong Kong was a private vacation and urged media organizations to exercise caution when reporting unverified information.
The ICC’s warrant against Duterte has sparked significant international attention, marking a pivotal moment in the former president’s political and legal journey. As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the veracity of the asylum claims and their implications for Duterte’s future.
