Former President Rodrigo Duterte is set to make his initial appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) soon, following his surrender to the court’s custody on March 12, 2025. The ICC announced that a hearing will be scheduled, marking a significant step in the case against Duterte.
Duterte faces charges of murder as a crime against humanity, stemming from his administration’s “war on drugs” campaign, which resulted in thousands of deaths. The ICC’s investigation, which began in 2019, found reasonable grounds to believe that Duterte was indirectly responsible for the killings.
During his initial appearance, the court will confirm Duterte’s identity, ensure he understands the charges against him, and inform him of his rights under the Rome Statute. The hearing will be a crucial step in the proceedings, paving the way for the trial to commence. The ICC’s case against Duterte has been ongoing for several years, with the court granting authorization to proceed with the investigation in 2021.
The Philippines, which withdrew from the ICC in 2019, has maintained that the court has no jurisdiction over the country. However, the ICC asserts its jurisdiction, citing the country’s membership in the ICC from 2011 to 2019.
