Malacañang said former President Rodrigo Duterte appeared to be in good condition during his first in-person appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, as the tribunal continues preparations for his trial.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro made the observation after Duterte personally attended a status conference before the ICC Trial Chamber III on Wednesday, September 16.
“Nakita naman po natin na maganda naman po ang kalagayan ng ating dating Pangulo,” Castro said during a press briefing on Thursday, September 17.
“At nakita naman namin na mukhang accepted naman niya po na magtuloy-tuloy ang hearing sa ICC,” she added.
Duterte’s appearance was his first in-person attendance at an ICC proceeding since he was arrested in Manila and transferred to the tribunal’s custody in March 2025. He had previously participated in proceedings through videoconferencing.
He appeared before the three-member Trial Chamber III, led by Presiding Judge Joanna Korner, alongside Judges Keebong Paek and Nicolas Guillou. The hearing focused on preparations for the trial, including the presentation of prosecution evidence and witnesses and the amount of time needed to present the case.
Duterte, wearing a dark suit and white shirt, remained seated with members of his defense team during the proceedings. He did not make a statement in court.
The ICC also ordered Duterte to remain in detention following its latest review of his custody. The chamber cited continuing concerns about his possible failure to appear for trial and potential interference with or obstruction of the proceedings.
The chamber also considered the prosecution’s disclosure of its witnesses and evidence, which it said increased the possibility of interference with witnesses either directly or through Duterte’s family or supporters in the Philippines.
The detention decision comes as the case moves toward trial, which is scheduled to begin on November 30.
Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity arising from alleged killings connected to his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. He has repeatedly denied the allegations.
The ICC proceedings remain separate from domestic Philippine proceedings, with the international tribunal examining allegations within its jurisdiction concerning the period covered by the case.