Duterte faces charges: key hearing set for September 2025

DAVAO CITY – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with alleged crimes against humanity, specifically murder, committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.

During the hearing, the Chamber verified Duterte’s identity. It ensured he was fully informed of the allegations against him and his rights under the Rome Statute in a language he understood.

Duterte participated in the hearing via video link from the ICC Detention Centre, as permitted by the Chamber. The proceedings were held in the presence of the ICC Prosecutor and the Defence. Salvador C. Medialdea represented him, assisted by the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence.

The Chamber provisionally scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for September 23, 2025. This procedure will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds for trial. The case will proceed to trial before a Trial Chamber if the charges are confirmed.

On February 10, 2025, the ICC Prosecutor applied for an arrest warrant against Duterte for crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape.

The press statement stated that after reviewing the evidence, the Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe Duterte was individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for murder committed in the Philippines within the court’s jurisdiction.

The arrest warrant was issued under “Secret” status on March 7, 2025, and later reclassified as “Public” on March 11, 2025. On the day Philippine authorities arrested him, he was subsequently surrendered to the ICC on March 12, where he remains in custody.

The Philippines was an ICC State Party from November 1, 2011, until its official withdrawal on March 17, 2019. However, the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed while the country was a State Party.