ICC decides to keep former Philippine President Duterte in detention
The ICC Trial Chamber III decided on Wednesday (16/09) to continue the detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague, according to reports from the Philippine Daily Inerbquirer.
Duterte appeared in person before the ICC in The Hague for the first time since his transfer to the court last year.
The judges’ panel cited several recent developments, including the scheduled trial start date of 30 November, medical expert reports regarding Duterte’s fitness to stand trial, and the submission of evidence and trial summary documents by the prosecution.
These developments have increased the likelihood that Duterte will proceed to trial. If found guilty, he faces the risk of severe penalties, which, according to the five-page ruling, further increases the possibility of him “fleeing and/or obstructing or endangering the investigation or judicial process.”
Duterte, 81, attended the hearing before ICC Trial Chamber III, which discussed preparations for the upcoming trial, including his health condition and his ability to participate in the judicial process.
Duterte’s legal team argued that declining cognitive abilities have affected his fitness to stand trial. “Regarding the issue of fitness (although the Chamber’s decision is currently pending the process), the Chamber is of the opinion that the Panel Report does not contain any information that necessitates a change in the Defendant’s detention status,” the judges stated.
The Chamber added that the defence team’s response regarding Duterte “did not provide any information that constitutes new facts or a change in circumstances.”
The former president attended the first hearing via video link in March 2025 and subsequently missed several sessions, citing health reasons presented by his legal team.
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity related to killings during his anti-drug campaign led between 2011 and 2019, covering his tenure as Mayor of Davao City and subsequently as President of the Philippines.
His trial is scheduled to begin on 30 November, when the charges will be read before the court. Court records indicate that the prosecution has continued to submit evidence and other trial-related documents in recent weeks as preparations for the trial proceed.
Duterte has been held at the ICC detention facility in The Hague since March 2025, following his arrest in Manila and his transfer to the Netherlands.