The Philippine government has characterized the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) approach to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s pre-trial proceedings as just and impartial. The process, linked to alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s anti-drug campaign, has been marked by adherence to his legal rights.
A palace official emphasized that Duterte’s initial appearance before the ICC demonstrated a fair legal process. “It is clear to all observers that justice is being served,” the official remarked.
Contrary to claims from Duterte’s camp, the official affirmed that he had been granted his fundamental rights as a suspect, particularly regarding accusations of murder. “This is the essence of a fair trial,” they stated.
Duterte participated in the pre-trial proceedings via videoconferencing from the ICC’s detention center in The Hague. The presiding judge noted that the former leader, now 79, appeared fatigued following his journey to the Netherlands after being taken into custody.
His legal counsel, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, contended that Duterte had been “taken from his country” and was dealing with serious medical conditions. Medialdea further stated that upon arriving in The Hague, Duterte was hospitalized for observation, leaving them with minimal time to discuss legal matters.
Vice President Sara Duterte and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who attended the proceedings, expressed concerns about the limited opportunity to communicate with Duterte. They indicated that they would seek a delay in the legal process.
The palace official, however, explained that the court denied the request to postpone the proceedings, asserting that it was premature for Duterte’s defense to present its case. The judge upheld that medical evaluations conducted at the detention center confirmed Duterte was in stable condition and fully aware of the situation.
The former president was briefed on his legal rights under the Rome Statute and acknowledged awareness of the arrest warrant. The next hearing, set for September 23, 2025, will focus on confirming the charges against him.
In response to Medialdea’s arguments, the judge assured that the legal process would allow Duterte to challenge the charges and raise concerns about his arrest and the court’s jurisdiction. “There will be a comprehensive procedure leading up to the confirmation of charges, during which all these matters can be addressed,” they clarified.
According to the ICC, the pre-trial phase involves an initial hearing and a review of the charges. Only if the judges determine that sufficient evidence exists will the case proceed to a full trial, a process that may extend over several months or even years.
