Former President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on Wednesday, September 16, marking his first public appearance at the tribunal since he was arrested in Manila and transferred to ICC custody in March 2025.
Duterte attended the third status conference of Trial Chamber III, where proceedings focused on preparations for his upcoming trial over alleged crimes against humanity connected to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Wearing a dark suit and white shirt, Duterte sat beside his defense lawyers as the judges and prosecution discussed the evidence, witnesses and time needed to present the case.
His appearance came about 18 months after he was transferred to The Hague and more than a year after his initial appearance before the court.
Presiding Judge Joanna Korner later permitted Duterte to leave the courtroom after acknowledging his presence at the status conference.
“This is the first time that Mr. Duterte has been in this Court. As far as the Trial Chamber is concerned, if he wishes to leave for any reason, he may do so, Mr. Haynes, without a motion being sought,” Korner told Duterte’s lead counsel, Atty. Peter Haynes.
The hearing also covered the prosecution’s evidence and witness list. Duterte’s defense raised concerns about the volume and organization of the materials disclosed by prosecutors, with Haynes saying the case involves tens of thousands of evidentiary items.
The defense has also continued to challenge assessments concerning Duterte’s ability to participate meaningfully in the proceedings. His lawyers have cited what they described as persistent memory problems and difficulties retaining recent information.
“Mr. Duterte suffers from significant memory impairment that prevents him from retaining recent information and reliably accessing memories,” the defense said.
“This makes it difficult for him to engage meaningfully with the charges, the alleged incidents, the tens of thousands of disclosed items of evidence, let alone give proper instructions to his Lead Counsel, whose name he only sometimes remembers,” it added.
The ICC had previously addressed Duterte’s capacity to participate in the proceedings, while his defense continues to raise concerns about his cognitive condition. The issue was among the matters discussed during Wednesday’s status conference.
The trial is scheduled to begin on November 30. During the status conference, Judge Korner also urged the parties to focus on the evidence and witnesses necessary for the proceedings as the court prepares for the trial.
Duterte faces allegations of crimes against humanity arising from killings allegedly committed during the period covered by the ICC’s jurisdiction.
The court’s case materials identify allegations involving murders and other offenses connected to the Philippines between 2011 and 2019.