Duterte appears at ICC pre-trial, next session on September 23

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte during his ICC pre-trial on March 14, 2025. ICC

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague on Friday (March 14), with the next hearing scheduled for September 23. Duterte, 79, appeared via video link from a detention unit, looking frail as he confirmed his name and date of birth for the court. His defense lawyer, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, attended the session in person and argued that Duterte was too ill to testify. "My client is suffering from debilitating medical issues," Medialdea told the pre-trial chamber, adding that Duterte's arrest and transfer to The Hague was “pure and simple kidnapping.” Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc countered Medialdea’s claims, stating that an ICC-appointed doctor had examined Duterte and found him "fully mentally aware and fit" to stand trial.

Allegations and next steps

Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity for his controversial war on drugs, during which thousands of alleged drug dealers and users were killed in police operations and extrajudicial executions. The former leader has repeatedly defended his anti-narcotics campaign, stating that he takes “full responsibility” for his actions. During the hearing, the judge summarized the allegations against Duterte, though he was not required to enter a plea. The prosecution is expected to present key evidence before the next pre-trial session on September 23. A formal trial, if approved, is not expected to begin until early 2026. Duterte arrived in the Netherlands on Wednesday after being arrested on an ICC warrant. He was flown on a chartered plane from Manila to Rotterdam airport and transferred to a detention facility near the ICC headquarters. Despite claims of poor health, Duterte addressed his supporters in a video message before his arrest, stating that he stood by his decisions as president. Duterte, who served as the Philippines' leader from 2016 to 2022, is set to become the first former Asian head of state to go on trial at the ICC. The court, established in 2002, prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and acts of aggression. Duterte has long claimed to suffer from multiple health conditions, including a neuromuscular disorder, back pain, migraines, and vascular issues. The upcoming pre-trial hearing in September is expected to determine which charges will proceed to full trial. ICA/CAM/Expat Media