Philippines' Duterte seen in person for first time at International Criminal Court
Summary
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for the first time since his arrest. He faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths. Duterte’s trial is set to begin in November despite his lawyers claiming he has health issues.Key Facts
- Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila and has been detained in The Hague since March 2025.
- He faces trial for alleged crimes against humanity due to his drug war, which involved many extrajudicial killings.
- Duterte appeared in person at the ICC for the first time 18 months after his arrest, wearing a dark suit and white shirt.
- The ICC is examining killings from November 2011 to March 2019, covering his time as mayor and president before the Philippines withdrew from the ICC.
- His lawyers say he has memory problems and cannot participate properly in his defense, but prosecutors disagree.
- Duterte disclosed in 2019 that he has myasthenia gravis, a disease that affects nerves and muscles.
- The political situation in the Philippines involves a rivalry between Duterte’s family and the current President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos.
- Duterte’s daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, faces impeachment charges and is a leading candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
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