The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague announced that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to attend a pre‑trial hearing on Wednesday. The 81‑year‑old former leader has been absent from several hearings since his arrest in March 2025, citing medical reasons. In January, ICC judges ruled that he is medically fit to stand trial.
Charges and Legal Background
Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity tied to his controversial war on drugs, which began while he was mayor of Davao City and continued throughout his presidency. Prosecutors allege that police and government‑linked hit squads carried out dozens of killings at his direction, motivated by financial incentives or self‑preservation.
Estimates of the death toll during Duterte’s term vary widely. The national police have reported more than 6,000 deaths, while human‑rights groups claim the figure could be as high as 30,000.
Upcoming Pre‑Trial Hearing
During a June pre‑trial hearing, Judge Joanna Korner said, “We would expect Mr. Duterte to be here unless there’s some medical issue.” Duterte’s lead counsel, Peter Haynes, told the judges that his client is fully aware of the expectation to appear soon.
The Wednesday hearing will focus on evidence disclosure and will establish a timetable for the trial, which is slated to begin in November.
Previous ICC Proceedings
In February 2018, the ICC announced a preliminary investigation into the drug‑related killings. Duterte responded by announcing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC, a move the court later rejected as an attempt to shield individuals from accountability.
Last year, the ICC denied a request from Duterte’s legal team to dismiss the case on the grounds of the Philippines’ withdrawal, emphasizing that states cannot “abuse” their right to withdraw to protect individuals from ongoing investigations.
Related Developments in the Philippines
Earlier this year, an attempt to arrest another ICC‑wanted individual, former police chief Ronald Marapon dela Rosa, ended in a gun‑fire incident in the Philippine Senate. Dela Rosa remains at large.
Two months later, the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, opened the trial of Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. She faces charges of amassing unexplained wealth and threatening the family of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. If convicted, she could be permanently barred from holding public office.
International Implications
The ICC’s continued pursuit of Duterte underscores the court’s commitment to accountability for alleged mass killings, regardless of a nation’s attempts to withdraw from the Rome Statute. The upcoming hearing will be closely watched by human‑rights advocates and legal scholars worldwide.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
