Rodrigo Duterte appears in person at ICC for first time

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made his first in-person appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague during a status conference. Duterte, who has been in detention since March 2025, attended the hearing to discuss trial preparations, including witness scheduling and evidence.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity related to his administration's anti-drug campaign, charges which he has denied. While he did not speak during the proceedings, his legal counsel, Martin Delgra III, stated that the decision to appear personally—rather than filing a waiver—reflected the former president's resolve to face the proceedings.

The ICC has scheduled the trial to begin on November 30, 2026.