Today, Rodrigo Roa Duterte appeared before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court.
Duterte is suspected of the crime against humanity of murder allegedly committed in the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019.
The Chamber verified the identity of the suspect and ensured that he was clearly informed of the crimes he is alleged to have committed and of his rights under the Rome Statute of the ICC in a language he fully understands and speaks.
Duterte participated in the hearing via video link from the ICC Detention Centre, as authorised by the Chamber.
The hearing was held in the presence of the ICC prosecutor and the defence. Duterte was represented during the hearing by Salvador C. Medialdea and assisted by the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence.
The Chamber provisionally scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing to begin on 23 September 2025. The purpose of the confirmation of charges procedure is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that the person committed the crimes he or she is suspected of.
If the charges are confirmed, totally or partly, the case will be transferred to a Trial Chamber, which will conduct the subsequent phase of the proceedings: the trial.
On 10 February 2025, the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC applied for an arrest warrant against Mr Duterte for the crimes against humanity of murder, torture and rape.
The Chamber assessed the material submitted by the Prosecution and found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Duterte is individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder allegedly committed in the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019.
The warrant of arrest against Mr Duterte was issued by the Chamber as “Secret” on 7 March 2025 and reclassified as “Public” on 11 March 2025.
On 12 March 2025, Duterte was surrendered to the International Criminal Court after being arrested by the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines in accordance with the warrant of arrest. He is currently in ICC custody.
The Philippines, an ICC State Party since 1 November 2011, deposited a written notification of withdrawal from the Statute on 17 March 2018. Under Article 127 of the Statute, that withdrawal took effect on 17 March 2019.
Nevertheless, the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed in the Philippines while the country was a State Party to the Statute.
