Fact Check: Did a Filipino senator say she’d file an ICC case against Trump and Israel over Iran?

Risa Hontiveros held a press conference raising concerns over the ongoing tensions in the Middle East

BY SAURAV SURESH

PUBLISHED MAR 21, 2026

A claim has been circulating online that a Filipino politician threatened to file a case at the International Criminal Court against Donald Trump for human rights violations in Iran (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: A rumor has been going viral on social media platforms that a politician from the Philippines named Risa Hontiveros has said that she will file a case with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israel and United States President Donald Trump over violations of human rights in Iran. Let us fact-check the claim.

Claim: Filipino Senator to file case against Donald Trump and Israel

These posts use an image of Hontiveros speaking, with text overlaid that states 'I will file a case against Israel and Donald Trump at the ICC' (Lexif Godiben/Facebook)

Different versions of the claim have been circulating on social media, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.

These posts use an image of Hontiveros speaking, with text overlaid that states. “Breaking news! ‘I will file a case against Israel and Donald Trump at the ICC. They have already violated many human rights laws in Iran.’ – Sen. Risa Hontiveros.”

The original Facebook post has garnered 2,100 reactions, 1,000 comments, and 39 shares, with numerous reposts on various Facebook groups.

Fact Check: The viral rumor is fake

Rescue workers inspect an apartment damaged in an Israeli airstrike as thick smoke fills the building in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammad Zaatari)

However, there is no credible evidence or reports that suggest filing a complaint at the ICC against Trump or Israel for their joint operation in Iran, killing many, including the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader.

On March 2, Hontiveros held a press conference raising concerns over the ongoing tensions among the US, Israel, and Iran, calling for an end to the conflict and the resumption of negotiations regarding their nuclear disputes.

But nowhere in the press conference did the senator hear saying that she will file a case with the ICC, nor was the question ever raised.

Donald Trump claims Iran's military is finished

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Donald Trump struck a confident tone on the Iran conflict, saying the US and Israel “want victory… and that’s what we’ve got.”

The president claimed Iran’s military capabilities have been decimated, stating, “We’ve knocked out their navy, air force, anti-aircraft… everything,” adding that “from a military standpoint, they’re finished.”

While hinting at a broader strategy, Trump refused to reveal details, saying, “I may have a plan… but how would I ever say that to a reporter?” He also signaled ongoing diplomatic movement, noting that talks related to global conflicts, including Ukraine, are happening “almost every day” and “making a lot of progress.”