Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been granted at least six months to prepare his defense before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, where he faces charges of “crime against humanity of murder” related to his “war on drugs.” During his initial appearance hearing on March 14, Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc of the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber 1 scheduled the Confirmation of Charges hearing for September 23, though this date could be postponed based on case progress. Duterte, appearing via video link from the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague, confirmed his identity and acknowledged his rights as a suspect. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao City and nationwide during his presidency. The ICC issued a warrant for his arrest on March 7, citing reasonable grounds to believe he is criminally responsible for murder as an indirect co-perpetrator. Duterte’s defense, led by former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, argued that his extradition was “extrajudicial rendition” and requested a postponement, which was denied. The ICC also addressed Duterte’s health concerns, confirming he is fit to participate in proceedings. The case, assigned the identifier ICC 0121-0125, focuses on alleged crimes between 2011 and 2019, a period when the Philippines was a State Party to the Rome Statute. The court emphasized Duterte’s rights to a fair trial, evidence disclosure, and interim release pending trial. The prosecution, led by Karim Khan, will disclose evidence within seven days, while victims of the alleged crimes may also participate in the proceedings. Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, remains in ICC custody as the case progresses.
