Duterte Ditches His Own ICC Hearing: 80-Year-Old Ex-President Won't Show Up for Crimes Against Humanity Trial
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, now 80 years old and detained at The Hague, will NOT be present when the International Criminal Court begins his pre-trial hearings next week. The ICC confirmed on Friday that judges granted his defense team's request to waive his right to attend — kahit na sinabi ng judges na ang mga rason na binigay ay "speculative" lang.
Duterte's lawyers previously argued that their client suffers from cognitive decline and would be unable to meaningfully participate in the proceedings. However, ICC judges ruled last month that independent medical experts found Duterte fit enough to understand and take part in his case. Despite this finding, the court still allowed the absence waiver.
The confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for Monday, February 23, is a critical step in the ICC process. Prosecutors must convince judges that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial. Under the ICC system, charges must be formally confirmed before any trial can begin.
ICC prosecutors allege that Duterte created, funded, and armed death squads during his brutal war on drugs from 2016 to 2022. While Philippine police officially recorded 6,200 suspects killed during anti-drug operations, human rights activists and the ICC prosecutor estimate the true death toll could be as high as 30,000.
Duterte has consistently maintained that he only instructed police to kill in self-defense and has defended his crackdown as necessary. He was arrested and transferred to The Hague in March 2025. Amnesty International called the upcoming hearing "a significant step towards delivering justice" for the thousands of victims and their families.
Source: Reuters
