Rodrigo Duterte Faces ICC Judges as Questions Over His Health Take Center Stage
RODRIGO DUTERTE – Former President Rodrigo Duterte made a significant return to the ICC courtroom as judges examined issues surrounding his health and upcoming trial.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made his first public appearance in 18 months at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on Wednesday, September 16, as judges examined questions surrounding his health and ability to participate in his upcoming trial.
At 81, Duterte attended the ICC hearing wearing a black suit paired with a white shirt. He did not make any statements during the proceedings as the judges considered arguments about his physical and mental condition and whether he is fit to stand trial. The case is expected to proceed to trial in November.
Duterte was transferred to the ICC in March 2025 after his arrest in connection with allegations stemming from his administration’s controversial campaign against illegal drugs. He served as Philippine president from 2016 to 2022 and had previously been mayor of Davao City.
ICC prosecutors accuse Duterte of crimes against humanity allegedly connected to killings carried out during the anti-drug campaign. The allegations also cover an earlier period when he was mayor of Davao. According to prosecutors, the campaign resulted in thousands of deaths, with estimates reaching as many as 30,000. These figures have been disputed, while Philippine police have reported that more than 6,200 suspects were killed during anti-drug operations.
Duterte’s lawyers have expressed concerns about his health, claiming that he has experienced cognitive deterioration that has impacted his memory and ability to carry out daily activities. His defense team argues that these difficulties may prevent him from fully and effectively taking part in the court proceedings.
The ICC, however, had previously determined that Duterte was sufficiently capable of following the proceedings and ordered that he appear physically in court rather than participate through a video connection from the detention facility. His latest appearance therefore marks an important stage as the court considers arguments related to his fitness for trial.
Throughout his presidency, Duterte strongly defended his anti-drug campaign, saying police officers acted in self-defense. He also told supporters he was prepared to “rot in jail” if that meant eliminating illegal drugs from the country.
The ICC proceedings will determine how the case moves forward as both sides present their arguments concerning Duterte’s ability to stand trial.
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