Geline Salac

Initial appearance of Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte

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)

Bea Cuadra

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17715418091171771541805748.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Former Philippine president Rodrigo Roa Duterte&#x27;s initial appearance before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court, March 14, 2025. <em>Handout/ICC/File</em></span></span></span>The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecution has formally <a href="https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180dcb208.pdf">opposed</a> a request by former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/18/duterte-waives-appearance-in-icc-confirmation-hearing-insists-lack-of-jurisdiction-2147">waive his right</a> to appear in court.</div><p>“There is no reasonable cause for Mr Duterte not to appear in person in court at the confirmation hearing,” said in the document.</p><p>In a redacted response filed on February 19, 2026, the Office of the Prosecutor argued that Mr. Duterte is fully capable of standing before the Chamber and should not be allowed to &quot;unilaterally excuse himself&quot; from the proceedings.</p><p>A central point of contention in the filing is Mr. Duterte’s physical and mental health. While the former president describes himself as “old, tired, and frail,” the Prosecution maintains that these complaints are “irrelevant” in light of recent medical evaluations.</p><p>The Prosecution highlighted that an expert panel concluded that Mr. Duterte is “fit, competent, and physically and mentally able” to participate.</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7O18LRIobhE?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>Independent medical evidence has already been litigated, leading the Chamber to put measures in place to ensure his comfort during the sessions.</p><p>The Prosecution characterized Mr. Duterte as an “unreliable historian” regarding his own health and mental fitness.</p><p>The filing further noted that the defense’s previous complaints about Mr. Duterte &quot;not being seen in court for ten months&quot; stand in stark contrast to his current &quot;sudden heel-turn&quot; to avoid the public eye.</p><p>The Prosecution emphasized that Mr. Duterte’s presence is not just a legal formality but a &quot;significant milestone&quot; for the victims involved in the case.</p><p>&quot;It is also important that the proceedings are open and that Mr Duterte is visible while he defends the criminal charges made against him,&quot; the Prosecution stated.</p><p>The court noted with concern that Mr. Duterte has indicated he will not even follow the proceedings via video link, suggesting his absence is motivated by a “lack of respect for the Court” rather than genuine health limitations.</p><p>The Pre-Trial Chamber must now decide whether there is &quot;adequate cause&quot; to allow the hearing to proceed without the suspect.</p><p>If the Chamber agrees with the Prosecution, it may order Mr. Duterte to appear in person next week.</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rvKZEarl4Fw?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecution has formally <a href="https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180dcb208.pdf">opposed</a> a request by former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to waive his right to appear in court.</p>

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecution has formally opposed a request by former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to waive his right to appear in court.

Prosecution rejects Duterte plea to skip ICC hearing

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Prosecution rejects Duterte plea to skip ICC hearing

Bea Cuadra,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 20, 2026 07:04 AM PHT

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Updated February 20, 2026 12:14 PM PHT

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international criminal court

ICC

The Hague

rodrigo duterte

crimes against humanity

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