Manila, April 23 -- Malacanang welcomed Thursday the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I's decision to confirm the charges of crimes against humanity against former president Rodrigo Duterte.

In a statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Philippine government respects the pre-trial chamber's unanimous ruling, formally committing the case against Duterte to trial.

Castro emphasized that the development marks a significant step toward ensuring accountability, noting that the confirmation of charges signals that the case has sufficient basis to proceed before the international tribunal.

"We respect the ruling of ICC that confirms all charges of crimes against humanity against the former President Duterte. ...