MANILA – Justice for former president Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged crimes against humanity in his drug war began to unfold, according to Malacañang, following the International Criminal Court (ICC) pre-trial hearing held on March 14, 2025.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the ICC’s pre-trial proceedings demonstrated a “fair trial” process. “Witnessing Duterte’s first appearance before the ICC, it’s clear justice is starting to roll down,” she stated.
Duterte appeared virtually due to the significant travel distance from the Philippines, with his next hearing scheduled for September 23, 2025, to confirm the charges against him.
The ICC rejected a request to delay the hearing, noting that it wasn’t yet time for Duterte to present defenses or evidence. Castro further clarified that the Court’s medical expert confirmed Duterte’s mental fitness and awareness of the proceedings.
Duterte’s legal team, led by former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, argued that Duterte’s rights were denied in the Philippines and that his arrest was a “gross abuse of process.” However, Castro reiterated that the ICC confirmed Duterte had been informed of his rights and the arrest warrant in English, in line with Articles 66 and 67 of the Rome Statute.
The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Duterte, accusing him of crimes against humanity related to the drug war conducted from November 2011 to March 2019, first as mayor of Davao City and later as president. Duterte was transferred to the ICC Detention Center in The Hague after his arrival on March 12, 2025.
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