The Manila Times
FORMER president Rodrigo Duterte asked the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to exempt him from attending the public announcement of its ruling on his appeal, which challenges the court’s jurisdiction over his crimes against humanity case. In a signed letter dated April 10, Duterte said he was waiving his right to be physically present when the chamber issues its decision on April 22 regarding his legal challenge to the ICC’s authority over the case stemming from his bloody war on drugs. The jurisdiction issue remains central to Duterte’s defense. His legal team is seeking to overturn a decision issued in October 2025 by Pre-Trial Chamber I, which affirmed that the court may proceed with the case despite the Philippines’ earlier withdrawal from the ICC. Aside from jurisdiction, Duterte’s lawyers have also challenged previous rulings related to interim release and findings regarding his health. Duterte’s request mirrors his earlier stance during the confirmation of charges hearings in February, where he also declined to attend proceedings either in person or via video link. At the time, he reiterated his refusal to recognize the ICC’s authority. In a prior communication to the court, Duterte described himself as “old, tired and frail,” and acknowledged the possibility that he could die while in detention at the Scheveningen prison facility in The Hague. The former president is currently detained and faces three counts of murder as crimes against humanity. Prosecutors allege he acted as an “indirect co-perpetrator” in connection with thousands of killings linked to his administration’s war on drugs. The ICC Appeals Chamber’s upcoming ruling is expected to determine whether the case will proceed further under the court’s jurisdiction.
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