MANILA, March 15 -- The Philippine government will not intervene as the camp of former president Rodrigo Duterte begins preparing for his defense against the charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC), Malacanang said Saturday.

The ICC set the confirmation of charges hearing on Sept. 23 to allow Duterte and all involved parties to "adequately prepare" for the pre-trial, as well as to acknowledge his "right to be tried within a reasonable time."

"Ito po 'yung time na magpe-prepare po talaga siya ng kaniyang mga depensa. Siguro po kung may mga witness po siya, puwede niya pong ipatawag 'yun, pagawan ng anumang statement o affidavit (This is the time when he will really prepare his defense. Maybe if he...