Politics

ICC Shoots Down Duterte's Bid for Freedom — He's Staying in The Hague

Tabloid PH Newsdesk

Mar 9, 2026 — 1 min read

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Former President Rodrigo Duterte isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The International Criminal Court's Appeals Chamber has unanimously rejected his lawyers' attempt to spring him from detention in The Hague, ruling that his health issues aren't enough reason to let him walk.

Duterte's defense team had argued that his deteriorating health and alleged cognitive decline should count as "changed circumstances" under ICC rules, justifying his immediate release. They even submitted a medical report from doctors they hired to back up the claim — pero hindi bumenta sa judges.

The five-judge panel wasn't buying it. They pointed out that the defense-commissioned medical report didn't include any new examination of Duterte — the doctors just recycled findings from an earlier court-appointed medical panel. The chamber said those independent court experts remain the most reliable source of information about Duterte's condition.

To make things worse for the former strongman, prosecutors also filed a separate motion asking judges to clarify what Duterte's lawyers are allowed to do when it comes to contacting witnesses and victims connected to the case. The request suggests the prosecution has concerns about potential witness tampering by the defense team.

Duterte has been detained in The Hague since March 2025, facing charges of crimes against humanity linked to the thousands of killings during his brutal anti-drug campaign. The case is now heading toward the confirmation of charges stage, meaning a full trial could be on the horizon.

Source: The Manila Times

Heart Evangelista Spent Her 41st Birthday With Abandoned Lolas and Lolos — and It Was Beautiful

While most celebrities celebrate their birthdays with lavish parties and luxury trips, Heart Evangelista chose to spend her 41st birthday season doing what she does best — giving back. The actress, fashion icon, and philanthropist visited Anawim Lay Missions Foundation, Inc. in Rodriguez, Rizal, a home for poor and abandoned elderly

Marcos Flies to New York — Eyes UN Security Council Seat and Calls for Middle East Peace

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left the Philippines on Sunday for a four-day working visit to the United States, where he's set to address a special session of the United Nations General Assembly and push for the country's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security

Oil Hits $90 a Barrel as Middle East War Chokes Global Supply — and It's Not Slowing Down

The global oil crisis just got worse. A week after the US and Israel launched major strikes against Iran — sparking an all-out war that's now engulfed nearly every country in the Middle East — crude oil prices have blasted past $90 a barrel with zero signs of cooling down.

Alex Eala Pockets P6.3M and Counting After Crushing Her Way to Indian Wells Round of 16

Filipino tennis pride Alex Eala just keeps winning — and cashing in. The 20-year-old Filipina is now guaranteed at least $105,720, roughly P6.3 million, after storming into the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, one of the biggest tournaments outside the Grand Slams. Eala advanced

Read more

Heart Evangelista Spent Her 41st Birthday With Abandoned Lolas and Lolos — and It Was Beautiful

Marcos Flies to New York — Eyes UN Security Council Seat and Calls for Middle East Peace

Oil Hits $90 a Barrel as Middle East War Chokes Global Supply — and It's Not Slowing Down

Alex Eala Pockets P6.3M and Counting After Crushing Her Way to Indian Wells Round of 16