Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte made his first in-person appearance at the International Criminal Court since his arrest, attending a status hearing over allegations tied to his anti-drugs campaign. Judges have ordered a three‑specialist medical assessment to determine his fitness to stand trial. The ICC investigation covers alleged killings from November 2011 to March 2019, and the first trial date is set for 30 November. Relatives of victims followed the hearing by livestream in Manila.
Duterte Makes First In‑Person ICC Appearance Since Arrest Ahead Of November Trial
Rodrigo Duterte has been detained at The Hague since March 2025 [Reuters]
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on Wednesday for a status hearing in the case alleging crimes against humanity linked to his controversial anti-drugs campaign.
What Happened At Court
The 81-year-old arrived wearing a dark suit and white shirt — his first public court sighting since his arrest in Manila about 18 months ago. Duterte did not speak during the hearing but waved to family members in the public gallery after proceedings ended.
Charges And Timeline
The ICC's investigation covers killings from 1 November 2011, when Duterte was mayor of Davao, through 16 March 2019, when the Philippines withdrew from the court. The allegations relate to a nationwide anti-drugs campaign widely criticised by human rights groups for summary killings of suspected small-time dealers, users and others.
Relatives of those who lost loved ones during Duterte's war on drugs cheered as the former president appeared in court. [Reuters]
Fitness To Stand Trial
Judges convened the status hearing after defence lawyers argued Duterte's health — in particular significant memory impairment — left him unfit to participate in trial preparation. Prosecutors have disputed that assessment. The court has ordered a competence evaluation by three independent medical specialists; the results have not been publicly released. Defence lawyers have said privately the assessment indicates memory problems, but those claims remain contested in court.
Next Steps
The ICC has set the first trial date for 30 November. Judges will decide whether Duterte is mentally and physically fit to stand trial before proceedings proceed.
Reactions And Context
Relatives of people killed during the crackdown followed the hearing by livestream in Manila. Some expressed relief that Duterte appeared in person and hope that his presence will speed up the process; others continue to press for accountability. Duterte disclosed in 2019 that he has myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder that affects nerve function.
Political Fallout
The former president's arrest followed the breakdown of the Duterte-Marcos political alliance. His daughter, Vice‑President Sara Duterte, remains a powerful political figure and a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race while also facing separate impeachment proceedings.
Clarification (17 September): This article was amended to clarify that Duterte's anti-drugs campaign affected more than only those accused of dealing drugs.
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