Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte appeared before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the first time yesterday, March 14. The hearing was conducted via video link from the ICC Detention Centre.
Duterte is suspected of committing crimes against humanity of murder between 2011 and 2019 while serving as president of the Philippines. The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I verified his identity and informed him of the alleged crimes, which were committed in the Philippines during his presidency.
The confirmation of charges hearing has been scheduled for September 23, 2025. This is a crucial step that will determine if there is enough evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Duterte committed these crimes.
In February 2025, the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor applied for an arrest warrant against Duterte, citing murder, torture, and rape as alleged crimes. The Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that Duterte was individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for the crime of murder.
Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC Statute in March 2018, the court retains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed while the country was still a member.
Source: https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/rodrigo-roa-duterte-makes-first-appearance-icc-confirmation-charges-hearing-scheduled-23