Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte appears at the International Criminal Court during the third status conference in the case of The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, September 16, 2026. Handout/ICC via Flickr
Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published September 18, 2026
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on September 16, marking his first appearance before the tribunal as he faces crimes-against-humanity charges connected to his administration’s controversial campaign against illegal drugs.
Duterte, 81, appeared before Trial Chamber III at the ICC in The Hague during a status conference held ahead of his scheduled trial. The proceedings addressed issues including his detention, the disclosure of evidence and the timetable for the upcoming trial.
The ICC has accused Duterte of criminal responsibility for alleged killings committed during the period covered by the court’s case. In April 2026, ICC judges confirmed three counts of crimes against humanity and committed Duterte to trial, finding substantial grounds to believe that he was criminally responsible for the alleged crimes.
Charges Linked to the Drug War
The prosecution’s case concerns alleged killings carried out between November 2011 and March 2019, covering part of Duterte’s time as mayor of Davao City and his later presidency from 2016 to 2022.
Prosecutors allege that the killings formed part of a widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population. The prosecution has identified dozens of alleged murders in the case, while the broader death toll associated with Duterte’s anti-drug campaign has been disputed.
Philippine police have previously reported more than 6,000 deaths during anti-drug operations. Human-rights organizations and ICC prosecutors have cited substantially higher estimates when including alleged vigilante-style killings.
Duterte has denied the allegations against him. His public defense of the drug campaign has included arguments that police officers were acting in self-defense, while his lawyers have challenged aspects of the prosecution’s case.
Defense Raises Concerns Over Duterte’s Condition
Duterte’s defense team has raised concerns about his ability to participate fully in the proceedings, citing alleged cognitive decline and memory problems.
Those concerns have been considered by the ICC. In January, judges ruled that Duterte was fit to stand trial. His defense has continued to raise questions about his condition in subsequent proceedings.
During the September 16 hearing, Duterte remained largely silent and acknowledged members of his family who were present in the courtroom.
The Philippine government, meanwhile, said Duterte appeared to be in good condition during the hearing. Malacañang spokesperson Claire Castro said the former president appeared to accept the continuation of the ICC proceedings.
ICC Keeps Duterte in Detention
The ICC also ruled on Duterte’s continued detention. Court records show that Trial Chamber III issued a second decision on the review of his detention on September 16.
Duterte was arrested in the Philippines in March 2025 and subsequently transferred to ICC custody in The Hague. His detention has remained a central issue in proceedings leading up to the trial.
The court has also been handling a large volume of prosecution evidence. At the September hearing, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner urged the prosecution to consider reducing the number of witnesses and evidence it intends to present in order to move the case forward efficiently.
Trial Set for November 30
The ICC has scheduled the opening of Duterte’s trial for November 30, 2026.
The trial will determine whether prosecutors can prove the charges beyond the applicable legal standard. The confirmation of charges earlier this year was not a finding of guilt; Duterte remains entitled to the presumption of innocence throughout the trial.
The proceedings could become one of the most significant international criminal cases involving a former Philippine leader. Duterte is the first former Asian head of state to face trial before the ICC.
The case also continues despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. The ICC has maintained jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a state party to the court.
As the November trial approaches, prosecutors and defense lawyers are expected to continue litigating evidentiary, procedural and detention issues before the court.
🧩 Bottom Line:
Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC case has moved beyond the preliminary stages. With the charges confirmed and a November 30 trial date set, the court will now proceed toward a full examination of the prosecution’s allegations and Duterte’s defense. The outcome will ultimately depend on the evidence and arguments presented during the trial.
SOURCES: REUTERS – Former Philippines leader Duterte appears in ICC courtroom
PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY – ICC pre-trial chamber unanimously confirms all raps vs. Duterte
ABS-CBN NEWS – Rodrigo Duterte makes first in-person appearance at ICC
