Rodrigo Roa Duterte Makes First Appearance Before the ICC: Confirmation of Charges Hearing Scheduled for 23 September 2025
The Hague, Netherlands – In a historic and closely watched proceeding, former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday, 14 March 2025. The hearing, conducted before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC, marked the formal beginning of the court’s proceedings against Duterte, who is suspected of committing crimes against humanity, specifically murder, during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and later as president of the Philippines. The alleged crimes took place between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019, a period that encompasses the height of Duterte’s controversial war on drugs.
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| Judges of Pre-Trial Chamber I during the initial appearance of Rodrigo Roa Duterte on 14 March 2025 ©ICC-CPI |
The hearing, though procedural in nature, was a significant milestone in the ICC’s investigation into the extrajudicial killings that have been linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Human rights groups estimate that thousands of individuals were killed during this period, many of them in operations carried out by law enforcement or vigilante groups allegedly acting under Duterte’s orders.
The primary purpose of the hearing was to verify Duterte’s identity and ensure that he was fully informed of the charges against him and his rights under the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The Chamber confirmed that Duterte understood the proceedings, which were conducted in English, a language he is fluent in.
Duterte participated in the hearing via video link from the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague, where he has been held since his arrest. The Chamber authorized his remote participation, citing logistical and security considerations. The hearing was attended by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan and Duterte’s defense team, led by his longtime friend and legal counsel, Salvador C. Medialdea. Duterte was also assisted by the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence, a body established by the ICC to provide legal representation to suspects and accused persons.
During the hearing, Duterte appeared subdued and slouched in his chair, a far cry from the fiery and defiant leader who once dominated Philippine politics. He was dressed in a blue suit, a departure from his usual attire of the traditional barong, a symbol of Filipino culture and identity.
The Confirmation of Charges Hearing: A Critical Juncture
The Chamber provisionally scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing to begin on 23 September 2025. This hearing represents a critical juncture in the proceedings, as it will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Duterte committed the crimes he is accused of.
During the confirmation of charges hearing, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan will present the evidence gathered during the investigation, including witness testimonies, forensic reports, and other documentation. Duterte’s defense team will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and present counterarguments.
If the Chamber confirms the charges, either in whole or in part, the case will be transferred to a Trial Chamber, which will conduct the trial phase of the proceedings. If the charges are not confirmed, the case against Duterte will be dismissed, and he will be released from custody.
Medialdea’s Defense: Challenging the ICC’s Jurisdiction
Salvador Medialdea, Duterte’s lead counsel, used the hearing to reiterate his client’s position that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the case. Medialdea argued that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019, which took effect in March of that year, should nullify the court’s authority to prosecute Duterte.
“The ICC has no jurisdiction over my client,” Medialdea stated during the hearing. “The Philippines is a sovereign nation, and its withdrawal from the Rome Statute should be respected. This case is a politically motivated attempt to undermine the legacy of a leader who served his country with dedication and resolve.”
Medialdea also criticized the ICC’s investigation, describing it as biased and based on flawed evidence. He accused the court of being influenced by political actors and human rights organizations with an agenda against Duterte.
The ICC’s case against Duterte centers on the crime against humanity of murder, which is defined under the Rome Statute as a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population. Prosecutor Karim Khan has alleged that Duterte’s war on drugs was not a legitimate law enforcement operation but a campaign of state-sanctioned violence that resulted in the deaths of thousands of individuals.
The prosecution’s evidence includes testimonies from survivors, whistleblowers, and former law enforcement officials, as well as forensic reports and documentation of the killings. Khan has described the case as a landmark opportunity to hold a powerful leader accountable for grave human rights violations.
Duterte’s health has been a recurring concern throughout the proceedings. At 80 years old, he has reportedly been suffering from a range of medical issues, including chronic back pain and other age-related ailments. Medialdea raised these concerns during the hearing, arguing that Duterte’s detention conditions should take his health into account.
The ICC has stated that Duterte is receiving appropriate medical care at the ICC Detention Centre, which is equipped with modern facilities and staffed by qualified medical professionals. The court has also emphasized that health concerns alone are not sufficient grounds for release, particularly in cases involving charges of crimes against humanity.
The confirmation of charges hearing in September 2025 will be a pivotal moment in the case, but it is only the beginning of what is likely to be a long and complex legal battle. If the charges are confirmed, the trial phase could take years to complete, with both the prosecution and defense expected to present extensive evidence and call numerous witnesses.
The case has already sparked intense debate within the Philippines and the international community. Supporters of Duterte view the ICC’s proceedings as an affront to Philippine sovereignty and an attempt to undermine a leader who they believe was tough on crime and corruption. Critics, on the other hand, see the case as a crucial step toward justice for the victims of the war on drugs and their families.
The ICC’s case against Duterte is a test of the court’s ability to hold powerful leaders accountable for grave human rights violations. It also raises important questions about the role of international justice in addressing crimes committed within the context of domestic policies.
As the world watches, the proceedings against Rodrigo Roa Duterte will undoubtedly shape the future of international criminal law and the pursuit of justice for victims of state-sponsored violence.
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Rodrigo Roa Duterte in ICC Custody: A Historic Moment for International Justice
The Hague, Netherlands – In a landmark development that has captured global attention, former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was surrendered to the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 12 March 2025. Duterte, born on 28 March 1945, was arrested by Philippine authorities in accordance with an arrest warrant issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC. The warrant charges him with the crime against humanity of murder, stemming from his alleged role in the extrajudicial killings that occurred during his war on drugs, a campaign that left thousands dead and drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and the international community.
Duterte’s arrest and surrender to the ICC mark a historic moment in the pursuit of international justice, as it represents one of the few instances where a former head of state has been brought before the court to answer for alleged crimes committed during their tenure. The case against Duterte is a test of the ICC’s ability to hold powerful leaders accountable for grave human rights violations and underscores the court’s commitment to delivering justice for victims of state-sponsored violence.
The Arrest Warrant and Charges
The legal process leading to Duterte’s arrest began on 10 February 2025, when the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC applied for an arrest warrant against the former president. The application accused Duterte of crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape, allegedly committed in the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019.
Pre-Trial Chamber I, composed of Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc and Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera, assessed the material submitted by the prosecution and found reasonable grounds to believe that Duterte is individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder. The Chamber determined that the alleged crimes were part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against a civilian population, a key criterion for crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute.
The Chamber found that there was an attack directed against a civilian population pursuant to an organizational policy while Duterte was the head of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), and pursuant to a state policy while he was the President of the Philippines. The alleged attack took place over a period of several years and resulted in thousands of deaths. In the arrest warrant, the Chamber focused on a sample of alleged incidents to facilitate its analysis.
Concerning Duterte’s alleged role as the head of the DDS and subsequently as the President of the Philippines, the Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that he, jointly with and through other persons, agreed to kill individuals they identified as suspected criminals or persons having criminal propensities, including but not limited to drug offenders, initially in Davao and subsequently throughout the country.
The Philippines’ Cooperation and ICC Jurisdiction
The ICC Registrar, Osvaldo Zavala Giler, thanked the authorities of the Philippines for their commitment to upholding international accountability mechanisms and the authorities of the Host State, the Netherlands, for their cooperation and support.
The Philippines became a State Party to the Rome Statute on 1 November 2011, granting the ICC jurisdiction over crimes committed on its territory. However, in a move widely seen as an attempt to shield Duterte from accountability, the Philippine government deposited a written notification of withdrawal from the Statute on 17 March 2018. Under Article 127 of the Statute, the withdrawal took effect on 17 March 2019.
Despite the withdrawal, the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed in the Philippines while the country was a State Party to the Statute. This means that the court has the authority to investigate and prosecute crimes that occurred between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019, the period covered by the charges against Duterte.
Background: The ICC’s Investigation into the Philippines
The ICC’s investigation into the situation in the Philippines began on 24 May 2021, when the Office of the Prosecutor requested authorization from Pre-Trial Chamber I to initiate an investigation into crimes allegedly committed in the context of the “war on drugs” campaign waged by the Philippine government between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019. The prosecution’s request was made public on 14 June 2021, and on 15 September 2021, the Chamber authorized the investigation.
On 18 July 2023, following a request for deferral by the Philippine authorities and the subsequent temporary suspension of investigative activities, the ICC Appeals Chamber delivered its judgment, confirming the Chamber’s decision to grant authorization to the prosecution to resume the investigation.
The Road Ahead: Initial Appearance and Confirmation of Charges
A hearing will be scheduled in due course for Duterte’s initial appearance before the ICC. During this hearing, the Chamber will confirm the identity of the suspect and the language in which Duterte is able to follow the proceedings. The Chamber will also ensure that Duterte has been informed of the crimes he is alleged to have committed and of his rights under the Rome Statute.
The next major step in the proceedings will be the confirmation of charges hearing, during which the Chamber will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Duterte committed the crimes he is accused of. If the charges are confirmed, the case will proceed to trial, where Duterte will have the opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.
The ICC’s case against Rodrigo Roa Duterte is a landmark moment in the pursuit of international justice. It represents a rare instance where a former head of state has been brought before the court to answer for alleged crimes against humanity, and it underscores the ICC’s commitment to holding powerful leaders accountable for grave human rights violations.
The case also raises important questions about the role of international justice in addressing crimes committed within the context of domestic policies. As the world watches, the proceedings against Duterte will undoubtedly shape the future of international criminal law and the pursuit of justice for victims of state-sponsored violence.
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Historic Moment in International Justice: Rodrigo Roa Duterte Faces ICC for Crimes Against Humanity
The Hague, Netherlands – In a groundbreaking development that has reverberated across the globe, former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges of crimes against humanity. The case, which centers on Duterte’s alleged role in the extrajudicial killings during his controversial “war on drugs,” marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of accountability for state-sponsored violence.
Duterte, born on 28 March 1945, served as President of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 and as Mayor of Davao City for over two decades. He is also alleged to have been the founder and head of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), a vigilante group linked to hundreds of killings in Davao City. The ICC’s case against Duterte focuses on his alleged responsibility for the crime against humanity of murder, committed between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019, during his tenure as both mayor and president.
The Arrest Warrant and Charges
On 10 February 2025, the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC applied for an arrest warrant against Duterte, accusing him of crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape. Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC, after assessing the material submitted by the prosecution, found reasonable grounds to believe that Duterte is individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder.
The Chamber determined that the alleged crimes were part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against a civilian population, a key criterion for crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. The attack, which took place over several years, resulted in thousands of deaths and was allegedly carried out pursuant to an organizational policy while Duterte was head of the DDS and a state policy while he was president.
The arrest warrant was issued as “Secret” on 7 March 2025 to ensure the safety of witnesses and the integrity of the investigation. It was reclassified as “Public” on 11 March 2025, leading to Duterte’s arrest by Philippine authorities on 12 March 2025. He was subsequently surrendered to the ICC and is now in custody at the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague.
Duterte’s initial appearance before the ICC took place on 14 March 2025. The hearing, conducted via video link from the ICC Detention Centre, was a procedural step to confirm Duterte’s identity and ensure that he was informed of the charges against him and his rights under the Rome Statute.
During the hearing, Duterte appeared subdued and slouched in his chair, a stark contrast to the fiery and defiant leader who once dominated Philippine politics. He was dressed in a blue suit, a departure from his usual attire of the traditional barong, a symbol of Filipino culture and identity.
The Chamber confirmed that Duterte understood the proceedings, which were conducted in English, a language he is fluent in. The hearing was attended by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan and Duterte’s defense team, led by his longtime friend and legal counsel, Salvador C. Medialdea. Duterte was also assisted by the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence, a body established by the ICC to provide legal representation to suspects and accused persons.
The charges against Duterte stem from his controversial war on drugs, which he launched shortly after assuming the presidency in 2016. The campaign, which he had previously championed as a necessary measure to combat drug-related crime, quickly drew criticism from human rights organizations and the international community for its brutal and often extrajudicial methods.
Estimates suggest that between 12,000 and 30,000 individuals were killed during the campaign, many of them in operations carried out by law enforcement or vigilante groups allegedly acting under Duterte’s orders. The ICC’s investigation focuses on a sample of alleged incidents to facilitate its analysis, but the scale of the violence suggests a systematic and widespread attack on civilians.
The next major step in the proceedings will be the confirmation of charges hearing, during which the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Duterte committed the crimes he is accused of. If the charges are confirmed, the case will proceed to trial, where Duterte will have the opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.
The confirmation of charges hearing is expected to be a highly contentious and closely watched event, with both the prosecution and defense presenting extensive evidence and arguments. The hearing will also provide an opportunity for victims and their families to participate in the proceedings, a key feature of the ICC’s victim-centered approach to justice.
The ICC’s case against Rodrigo Roa Duterte is a landmark moment in the pursuit of international justice. It represents a rare instance where a former head of state has been brought before the court to answer for alleged crimes against humanity, and it underscores the ICC’s commitment to holding powerful leaders accountable for grave human rights violations.
The case also raises important questions about the role of international justice in addressing crimes committed within the context of domestic policies. As the world watches, the proceedings against Duterte will undoubtedly shape the future of international criminal law and the pursuit of justice for victims of state-sponsored violence. - majaits.com
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VP Sara Duterte Meets Father Rodrigo Duterte in ICC Detention: “He Looked Well-Rested, Missed Filipino Food”
The Hague, Netherlands – In an emotional and highly anticipated meeting, Vice President Sara Duterte visited her father, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in The Hague on Friday. This marked the first time the two had seen each other since Duterte’s arrest and subsequent surrender to the ICC on charges of crimes against humanity. Speaking to the media and a crowd of Filipino supporters outside the ICC, Sara shared details of her visit, describing her father as “well-rested” but longing for Filipino food, particularly inun-unan, the Visayan equivalent of paksiw (fish cooked in vinegar).
The meeting came hours after Duterte made his initial appearance before the ICC via video link, where he was formally informed of the charges against him and his rights as a defendant. The former president, who is accused of orchestrating thousands of extrajudicial killings during his controversial war on drugs, appeared calm and composed during the hearing, according to observers.
A Daughter’s Emotional Reunion
Sara Duterte, who also serves as the Philippines’ vice president, described her one-hour visit with her father as both emotional and reassuring. She said she met him in the facility’s visiting area but did not see where he was being detained.
“He looked well-rested,” Sara told reporters. “He said he had been sleeping and watching TV. His only complaint was that he missed Filipino food, especially inun-unan. He’s adjusting, but it’s clear that he longs for the comforts of home.”
The vice president also revealed that her father had asked her to return to the Philippines as soon as possible. “As a request, he asked me to go home. He repeatedly said, ‘Do not leave the country. Do not leave the Philippines,’” Sara recounted. “I told him I understand. I don’t want to be here as well, but unfortunately, I’m the only one who has a Schengen visa, and I am the only one who is a lawyer. I told him that once we are able to meet with the legal team, I will immediately return home and do my work.”
Sara added that her father has appointed British lawyer Nicholas Kaufman as his defense counsel. She emphasized the need to form a strong legal team to handle the case remotely from the Philippines. “Everyone’s applying for a visa right now,” she said, referring to other family members who hope to visit Duterte in The Hague.
Legal Battles and Jurisdictional Challenges
The ICC’s case against Duterte centers on his alleged role in the crime against humanity of murder, stemming from his war on drugs, which human rights groups say claimed the lives of thousands of Filipinos between 2011 and 2019. The former president’s legal team, led by his longtime spokesperson Harry Roque, is preparing to challenge the ICC’s jurisdiction over the case.
Roque, one of only five Filipino lawyers included in the ICC’s List of Counsels, expressed disappointment that the court did not address the issue of jurisdiction during Duterte’s initial appearance. “We are very much disappointed that the court did not address the issue of kidnapping as a means to divest the court of jurisdiction,” Roque said in a Facebook Live broadcast outside the ICC.
He argued that the manner of Duterte’s arrest—which the family has described as “kidnapping” by Philippine authorities—should invalidate the ICC’s jurisdiction. “The illegality of the arrest should divest the court of its jurisdiction. You cannot correct a wrong by committing another wrong,” Roque said, citing South African jurisprudence.
Roque also pointed out that the ICC’s preliminary examination of the case began two years after the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. “We believe that the issue of jurisdiction is both on the implication of kidnapping as a means of divesting the court of jurisdiction and whether or not the court has jurisdiction despite the fact that preliminary examination was commenced two years after we had already withdrawn from our membership in the court,” he said.
The legal team plans to raise these jurisdictional issues before the confirmation of charges hearing, scheduled for September 23. “We would want that the issue of jurisdiction be ruled upon at an earlier date. Because as we know, when the court has no jurisdiction, it is pointless to proceed to the confirmation of charges,” Roque added.
Sara’s Allegations of “Kidnapping”
Sara Duterte echoed Roque’s claims, accusing Philippine authorities of “kidnapping” her father to surrender him to the ICC. “If you talk to lawyers, they call it extraordinary rendition, but for a family member like me, that’s kidnapping,” she said. “That’s forcibly taking my father to another country and illegally arresting him.”
The vice president also addressed reports that search warrants had been issued for the Duterte family’s homes in the Philippines. She advised her siblings to cooperate with authorities but remain vigilant. “I mentioned to my siblings that you don’t have control over this anymore. I just told them to secure your valuables, allow them to do the search, and we expect that there will be planted evidence inside the houses,” Sara said.
She emphasized that no one should resist or be hurt during the searches. “I told them that no one should be hurt, no one should resist, just allow them to do what is legal,” she added. The Police Regional Office 11 later denied any plans to raid the former president’s home in Davao City.
Speaking to a crowd of Filipino supporters outside the ICC, Sara expressed gratitude for their unwavering support. She shared a message from her father, urging them to remain calm and steadfast. “Sabihin mo sa kanila, ‘relax lang, may hangganan ang lahat. There will be a day of reckoning for all,’” she said, quoting her father.
Sara also revealed that the challenges her family is facing have made her “more resilient” and prepared for “something bigger than what is happening right now.” She invited supporters to a “casual meet and greet” in the Netherlands on March 23, just five days before Duterte’s 80th birthday.
The Road Ahead
As the legal battle unfolds, the Duterte family and their supporters remain defiant, vowing to fight for the former president’s freedom. The confirmation of charges hearing in September will be a critical juncture in the case, determining whether the ICC will proceed to trial.
For now, Sara Duterte’s visit to The Hague has provided a glimpse into the human side of a case that has captivated the world. As she prepares to return to the Philippines, her father’s words—urging her to focus on her duties—serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination that have defined the Duterte family’s political legacy.