(Image of ICC)
Although physically absent from the ICC courtroom, Duterte was read his case via video link from his cell in the ICC Detention Center at the same location.
Duterte appeared before the Pre-Trial Chamber I ("the Chamber") of the ICC for the case "Crime against humanity of murder," alleged to have been committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.
(Image of ICC)
The Chamber verified the identity of the suspect and provided information related to the alleged crimes, as well as his rights under the Rome Statute of the ICC.
The hearing took place in the presence of his defender, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, assisted by the Office of Public Counsel for the Defense.
Medialdea presented his manifestation for Duterte, including the allegation that Duterte was kidnapped from the Philippines and allegedly assisted by the current Marcos government, which he claims is politically motivated.
The hearing for the confirmation of charges against Duterte is set to begin on September 23, 2025. The purpose of the "confirmation of charges" is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support the belief that the suspected person should be held accountable.
If the charges are confirmed, in whole or in part, the case will be transferred to the Trial Chamber, where the trial will begin.
Prior to this, the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC applied for an arrest warrant against Duterte for the charges of "crimes against humanity of murder, torture and rape."
The Chamber reviewed the documents and materials submitted by the Prosecution and found there to be substantial reasons to believe Duterte is responsible as an "indirect co-perpetrator" of the alleged crimes committed in the Philippines from November 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019.
The warrant of arrest issued by the Chamber on March 7, 2025, was kept confidential and made public only on March 11, 2025, when Duterte was surrendered to the ICC after being arrested by Philippine authorities in response to the arrest warrant.
The Philippines, an ICC State Party since November 1, 2011, withdrew from the Statute on March 17, 2018. Under Article 127 of the Statute, the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC only took effect from March 17, 2018.
However, since the alleged crimes were committed by Duterte while still under the ICC, he will still be tried by the court.
