Rodrigo Duterte appears in person at ICC for crimes-against-humanity case

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appeared in person at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for a status hearing ahead of his trial over alleged crimes against humanity. It is the first time he has been seen in person at the court since his arrest in Manila in March 2025. The 81-year-old arrived in a dark suit and white shirt without a tie, according to the supplied report.

Sponsored

The hearing was called after Duterte's lawyers argued that his deteriorating health had made him unfit to stand trial. His lawyer, Peter Haynes, told the court that Duterte suffers from significant memory impairment and is unable to engage properly with his legal team. Prosecutors disputed that claim, while the court continued to examine whether the case can proceed as scheduled.

The charges relate to Duterte's war on drugs, which was a central feature of his presidency from 2016 to 2022. The court is examining killings said to have taken place from 1 November 2011, when Duterte was mayor of Davao, to 16 March 2019, when the Philippines withdrew from the court. The allegations concern tens of thousands of small-time drug dealers who were allegedly executed summarily, making the case one of the most closely watched international justice proceedings involving a former head of state.

The appearance matters because it marks a shift from earlier proceedings, when Duterte had taken part by video link and later missed multiple hearings. It also comes as the court weighs not only the substance of the charges but whether his medical condition affects his ability to participate in his defence. The case has wider significance for accountability over alleged mass killings and for the court's ability to pursue former national leaders.

Sponsored

Duterte had previously said he was suffering from myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune condition that can cause nerve malfunction. The supplied report also notes that he was the oldest Philippine president at the time of his election in 2016, when he was 71. His political standing has also been affected by a feud between his family and President Ferdinand Marcos, which helped pave the way for his arrest at Manila airport in March 2025.

What remains unclear is how the court will rule on the defence argument that he is medically unfit to stand trial. It is also not yet clear whether the proceedings will move forward without further delay or whether additional hearings will be needed. The next developments are likely to focus on his health, the prosecution's response, and the court's timetable for trial.

#RodrigoDuterte #InternationalCriminalCourt #TheHague #crimesagainsthumanity #warondrugs