The Hague, Netherlands – March 15, 2025 – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte skipped his first court hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday but participated via video link instead. The 79-year-old ex-leader was reportedly exhausted from his recent travel from the Philippines to the Netherlands, following his arrest earlier this month.
The hearing marks the start of Duterte’s trial for murder allegations in connection with his controversial war on drugs, which has been linked to thousands of extrajudicial killings during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
Legal Battle at the ICC
The ICC launched an investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug campaign after receiving multiple complaints from human rights groups and families of victims. The crackdown, which Duterte justified as a fight against crime, allegedly resulted in a high number of deaths, sparking global outrage and accusations of crimes against humanity.
Despite withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member. Duterte and his supporters have repeatedly dismissed the charges, calling the trial politically motivated.
What’s Next?
Legal experts believe the trial could take months or even years to conclude. If convicted, Duterte could face a lengthy prison sentence. However, enforcement of an ICC ruling would depend on international cooperation, as the court lacks its own police force.
More hearings are expected in the coming weeks, with prosecutors set to present evidence, testimonies, and reports from human rights organizations. Duterte’s defense team insists that the former president acted within the bounds of the law and in the interest of national security.
As the trial unfolds, international and local observers will closely monitor the proceedings, with the case serving as a crucial test for the ICC’s ability to hold world leaders accountable for alleged human rights violations.
