Duterte Makes First In-Person ICC Appearance Amid Health Arguments

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made his first in-person appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague in 18 months on Wednesday. The 81-year-old faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration's deadly war on drugs.

Duterte, who had previously appeared before the court via video link and missed multiple hearings, attended a status hearing. His lawyers have argued that his deteriorating health makes him unfit to stand trial, citing "significant memory impairment." Prosecutors have contested this assertion.

The ICC is examining killings that occurred between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019. This period encompasses Duterte's time as mayor of Davao city and extends to when he withdrew the Philippines from the ICC. The war on drugs was a central policy of his presidency, which ran from 2016 to 2022. He maintained that such measures were necessary for economic growth.

In 2019, Duterte disclosed he was suffering from myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune condition affecting nerve function. His legal team has claimed this condition impairs his ability to engage with his defense.

The first trial date is scheduled for November. Meanwhile, Duterte's family is involved in a high-stakes political dynamic within the Philippines. His daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, has publicly clashed with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos. Their alliance was instrumental in their 2022 election victory, but the subsequent break-up has led to political realignments. The Vice President is also facing an impeachment trial, with charges including misuse of public funds and alleged threats against the President and other high-profile figures. A conviction could disqualify her from future public office, impacting her potential presidential bid in 2028.

Duterte's arrest in Manila in March 2025 followed the collapse of the alliance with the Marcos family. The ICC proceedings mark a significant moment for the former leader, as he confronts international legal scrutiny over actions taken during his presidency.