Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Zen Hernandez

ABS-CBN News

MANILA (UPDATED) — The lawyers of former President Rodrigo Duterte have asked the International Criminal Court Appeals Chamber to allow him to skip attending the April 22 reading of its decision on his jurisdiction challenge.In a filing dated April 13, the Defense told the Chamber that Duterte has given full consent to be represented by his counsel during the proceedings and has executed a signed waiver, which has been submitted to the court.The request was lodged before the Appeals Chamber composed of five judges led by Presiding Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza.Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity over his so-called &quot;war on drugs&quot; when he was mayor of Davao City and then as president of the Philippines. On October 23, 2025, the Pre-Trial Chamber I (PTC) upheld its jurisdiction over the case, ruling that the Court retains authority over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a State Party to the Rome Statute from November 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019.The defense appealed the ruling.The Appeals Chamber’s forthcoming ruling on jurisdiction is a key procedural milestone, as it will determine whether the case can proceed further within the Court’s process. It is also the last pending appeal filed by the Defense.Meanwhile, Pre-Trial Chamber I is expected to issue another critical decision by the end of the month on whether the charges against Duterte will be confirmed and proceed to trial.Under Regulation 53 of the Regulations of the Court, the Chamber is required to render its written decision within 60 days from the conclusion of the <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/23/icc-opens-duterte-confirmation-of-charges-hearings-1718">confirmation of charges hearing</a>, which ended on February 27.Duterte was not in the courtroom for that hearing. The defense said he was too ill to attend, while victims said he did not want to face the loved ones of those killed in the drug war. Following the hearing, judges had up to 60 days to issue a written verdict. They can confirm all of the charges and proceed to trial, throw out some of the charges, or reject the case outright, in which case Duterte would walk free.  <div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/28/on-father-s-birthday-vp-sara-thanks-duterte-supporters-for-their-loyalty-1040">On father&#x27;s birthday, VP Sara thanks Duterte supporters for their loyalty </a></div><div>— With a report from Agence France-Presse </div>

The lawyers of former President Rodrigo Duterte have asked the International Criminal Court Appeals Chamber to allow him to skip attending the April 22 reading of its decision on his jurisdiction challenge.

The lawyers of former President Rodrigo Duterte have asked the International Criminal Court Appeals Chamber to allow him to skip attending the April 22 reading of its decision on his jurisdiction challenge.

Duterte seeks to waive appearance at April 22 decision on jurisdiction challenge

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Duterte seeks to waive appearance at April 22 decision on jurisdiction challenge

Zen Hernandez,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 14, 2026 04:19 PM PHT

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Updated April 14, 2026 04:40 PM PHT

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Duterte

Rodrigo Duterte

ICC

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