Duterte appears at ICC hearing ahead of November trial
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte appeared in court for the first time since his transfer to the ICC to face crimes against humanity charges.
The Hague, Netherlands. Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte appeared in the International Criminal Court on Wednesday for the first time since being transferred there 18 months ago to face murder charges linked to his war on drugs.
Duterte, 81, did not speak during the hearing but waved to family members in the public gallery. His trial is scheduled to begin in November.
Charges and proceedings
Duterte served as president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He was charged with crimes against humanity over allegations that he set up, funded and armed death squads targeting narcotics peddlers and users.
He was arrested and taken to The Hague in March 2025.
Dressed in a black suit and white shirt, Duterte sat quietly and drank water during the proceedings.
Call for a shorter trial
Presiding Judge Joanna Korner asked prosecutors to find ways to shorten the trial because of Duterte’s age and health.
“It’s important this trial goes ahead as quickly as possible,” Korner said, urging the parties to limit witnesses and focus on key evidence.
Duterte’s lawyer, Peter Haynes, described the prosecution’s disclosure as “enormous and impossible,” saying the defence could not review tens of thousands of pieces of evidence in time.
“If I had a younger and healthier client, I would request pushing back the trial by six months,” Haynes said.
Health concerns
Duterte’s condition was not discussed in open court. His lawyers have said he suffers from cognitive decline affecting his memory and daily functioning and is not well enough.
In January, ICC judges said Duterte’s health was sufficient for him to follow proceedings and requested his physical presence in court rather than participation by video link from the detention unit.
Llore Pasco, whose two sons were killed during Duterte’s war on drugs, watched the hearing broadcast from Manila.
“We’re happy that he has finally appeared and that he looks OK. In fact, he looks like he has put on weight,” Pasco said.
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