Former President Rodrigo Duterte, on the day he was flown to The Hague.
|Published April 3, 2023
Remember, the confirmation of charges is the stage where the prosecutor defines the scope of the final charges against Mr. Duterte. It is theoretically possible for the charge to include other crimes such as torture, arbitrary detention, or even rape
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs, may face additional charges. A lawyer representing the victims’ families stated that the ICC could issue more arrest warrants for individuals identified as co-perpetrators in Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, upon his return from Hong Kong, following an ICC warrant alleging crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape. He is currently held at the ICC’s detention unit in The Hague, awaiting trial scheduled for September 23, 2025.
His legal team, led by British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, is seeking his interim release ahead of the trial. Kaufman has expressed confidence in Duterte’s acquittal, citing potential procedural flaws in the prosecution’s evidence.
The ICC has instructed both the prosecution and defense to submit their evidence by April in preparation for the confirmation of charges hearing in September. As the case progresses, the possibility of additional charges and arrests remains, potentially implicating other high-ranking officials involved in Duterte’s war on drugs.
Composite photo shows the flag of the International Criminal Court and former President Rodrigo Duterte after he was arrested on Tuesday, March 11, 2025
IMPLICATIONS
The potential additional charges against Duterte and other officials have significant legal, political, and diplomatic implications:
1. Increased Legal Pressure on Duterte – More charges could weaken his defense and increase the likelihood of a conviction, making it harder for his legal team to secure an acquittal or interim release.
2. Risk for Other Officials – If the ICC expands its case, other high-ranking figures from Duterte’s administration may also face arrest warrants, potentially destabilizing political allies in the Philippines.
3. Domestic Political Impact – The case could polarize the Philippines, with Duterte’s supporters viewing the trial as foreign interference, while critics see it as long-overdue justice for human rights violations.
4. Impact on the Current Government – President Marcos Jr.’s administration may face pressure to cooperate with the ICC or distance itself from Duterte’s legacy, affecting internal political dynamics.
5. International Relations – The case may strain the Philippines’ relations with countries that support the ICC, particularly European nations, while strengthening ties with states that oppose international intervention in domestic affairs.
6. Precedent for Future Leaders – A successful ICC prosecution could serve as a warning to future Philippine leaders and other world leaders engaged in controversial anti-crime policies, reinforcing global accountability for human rights violations.
OVERALL TAKEAWAY
The ICC’s case against Duterte is escalating, with the possibility of additional charges and arrests for others involved in his war on drugs. This increases legal pressure on Duterte, risks implicating former officials, and may deepen political divisions in the Philippines. The trial’s outcome could impact international relations, set a precedent for accountability in human rights cases, and influence the country’s political landscape. As the case progresses, both domestic and global attention will remain focused on how justice and politics intersect in this high-profile prosecution.
SOURCES: THE DAILY TRIBUNE – Duterte may face more charges — ICC lawyer
BRIGADA NEWS – More charges for ex-president Rodrigo Duterte? ICC lawyer warns case could expand as September confirmation nears
PHILSTAR – More cases may be presented vs Duterte – ICC lawyer
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