Jaehwa Bernardo

Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's initial appearance  before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 14, 2025. Photo courtesy of the ICC/File

Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s initial appearance took place on Friday, 14 March 2025, at 14:00 hours (The Hague local time), before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "Court").

Article (news)

Duterte unlikely to return to PH, says ICC victims' counsel

Carlos Trazo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176206207433820250314-duterte-pre-trial-chamber-ICC-2.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte&#x27;s initial appearance  before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 14, 2025. Photo courtesy of the ICC/File</div>MANILA — A lawyer representing victims of what they believe are extrajudicial killings (EJK) expressed confidence that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s return to the Philippines is becoming increasingly unlikely, as proceedings continue at the International Criminal Court (ICC).Lawyer Maria Kristina Conti, assistant to counsel at the ICC, said the court is well aware that the alleged crimes occurred in the Philippines, where the presidential family still holds considerable influence. “The ICC knows the crimes happened in the Philippines, and the presidential family still wields power,” Conti said.While Duterte’s defense team has filed an appeal with the ICC Appeals Chamber seeking interim release, Conti noted that the chances of success remain slim.“There is a chance for the appeal, but it doesn’t prove that the pre-trial chamber made a mistake,” she explained.The Office of the Public Counsel for Victims earlier urged the Appeals Chamber to dismiss the defense’s appeal, arguing that it failed to demonstrate any error in the pre-trial chamber’s decision.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/1/icc-prosecution-urges-appeals-chamber-to-keep-rodrigo-duterte-detained-0830">READ: ICC Prosecution urges Appeals Chamber to keep Rodrigo Duterte detained </a></div>Conti also revealed that the ICC may consider transferring Duterte to another country. “At the minimum, it’s possible that he could be considered for transfer to another country, and they say someone has accepted him,” she said. However, she cautioned that the acceptance remains unclear. \“The problem is… if you look at the decision… it’s not exactly clear that he’s been accepted,” Conti said.The confirmation of charges hearing against former President Duterte, originally scheduled for September 23, 2025, was vacated by the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I following a request from the defense, citing Duterte’s alleged unfitness to stand trial. The chamber eventually granted a limited postponement to allow time to resolve the adjournment request and related matters.Despite the delay, the ICC has affirmed its jurisdiction over the case, and both the prosecution and the victims’ counsel continue to oppose Duterte’s bid for interim release, stressing the need for continued detention to prevent flight and witness interference.

The camp representing victims of extrajudicial killings expressed confidence that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s return to the Philippines is becoming increasingly unlikely, as proceedings continue at the International Criminal Court.

The camp representing victims of extrajudicial killings expressed confidence that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s return to the Philippines is becoming increasingly unlikely, as proceedings continue at the International Criminal Court.