Duterte set to face ICC for first hearing on alleged crimes against humanity over drug war killings

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By: Sophia Pacheco
March 14, 2025
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Jesse Bustos / Philippine Star

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to make his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday, Mar. 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM local time (1:00 PM GMT) in The Hague, Netherlands. 

The hearing follows his arrest in Manila earlier this week on charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration's anti-drug campaign.

Duterte faces allegations of murder connected to his controversial ‘war on drugs’ which human rights groups claim resulted in thousands of deaths. 

"I have been telling the police, the military, that it was my job and I am responsible." Duterte stated upon arriving in The Hague.

Duterte has appointed former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as his legal counsel for the hearing.

According to an ICC statement, Duterte will be informed of the charges against him and his rights as a defendant. Following this, a session to confirm the charges will be scheduled, during which Duterte will have the opportunity to challenge the prosecutor's evidence.

“During the initial appearance hearing, the judges will verify the identity of the suspect and the language in which he is able to follow the proceedings,” the ICC stated.

The court will then decide whether to proceed to trial, a process that could take several months or even years. Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan emphasized that Duterte is presumed innocent as the legal proceedings begin.

"It's important to underline, as we now start a new stage of proceedings, that Mr. Duterte is presumed innocent," said Khan.

During this stage, the ICC’s purpose is to:

  • Verify the identity of the suspect

  • Inform the suspect of the charges against them

  • Advise the suspect of their rights under the Rome Statute

  • Determine the language to be used in the proceedings and whether the suspect understands English

Following this initial appearance, the legal process will proceed through various stages, including confirmation of charges, trial, verdict, sentencing, appeals, and possible reparations.

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