Several senators on Thursday, September 17, shared their reactions after former President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for the first time.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito said he was saddened by Duterte’s appearance, noting that the former president looked significantly thinner and more frail than when he last saw him.
“May lungkot akong naramdaman nung nakita ko siya for the first time in a long time na siyempre parang buto’t balat na eh. Napakapayat, very frail, ang haba ng buhok… I have to admit, may kalungkutan akong naramdaman nung nakita ko siya,” Ejercito said.
Asked about the sentiments of families of those who died during the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, Ejercito said the legal proceedings should be allowed to continue.
“Let justice take its course,” he said.
“Let justice take its course kung saan hahantong ito. Kaya lang, sa akin kasi history will be the final judge. Para sa akin kahit sino, kahit sinong presidente… Hindi tayo Diyos para humusga,” Ejercito added.
Duterte attended the ICC Trial Chamber III’s third status conference on Wednesday, September 16, dressed in a black jacket and white shirt. The hearing dealt with preparations for his upcoming trial, which is scheduled to open on November 30.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a longtime Duterte aide and ally, posted a photo of the former president online with the caption “Tatay Digong” and a green heart emoji.
Senator Robin Padilla also expressed happiness over seeing Duterte personally but said he was saddened by the former president’s condition while in detention.
“Ako po ay nabigla at hindi inaasahan na tulo ang luha sa tuwa at nakita na siya ngunit binalot ng lungkot dahil batid ko na malakas lang ang loob ni Tatay Digong. Kaya ng tapang at malasakit pero hindi na kaya ng 81 years old niyang katawan ang kulungan,” Padilla said.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta, another Duterte ally, likewise said he was glad to see the former president and described his appearance positively.
“Nakita ko na siya na maganda ang kaniyang kalayagan kung titingnan mo ang kaniyang mukha. I am happy for him,” Marcoleta said.
Duterte’s appearance marked his first time physically attending an ICC proceeding. His initial appearance on March 14, 2025, was conducted through a video link from the ICC detention center.
Presiding Judge Joanna Korner noted at the start of Wednesday’s proceedings that Duterte was appearing before the Trial Chamber in person for the first time and said he could leave the courtroom if he wished.
“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,” Korner said.
The status conference focused on matters concerning the prosecution’s witnesses and evidence, disclosure of materials to the defense, additional incidents and the scheduling of the trial. The chamber said proceedings are expected to begin on November 30.
The ICC confirmed three counts of crimes against humanity against Duterte in April 2026 and committed the case to trial. The charges concern alleged crimes committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019, in the context of the campaign against illegal drugs. Duterte has denied wrongdoing.
Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities in March 2025 and surrendered to the ICC on March 12 of that year before being transferred to The Hague.
He had previously waived his personal attendance at two status conferences.