Former President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) by video link on March 14.
Following is the report of the ICC:
Duterte is suspected of the crime against humanity of murder, allegedly committed in the Republic of the Philippines (“the Philippines”) between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019.
The Chamber verified the identity of the suspect and ensured that he was clearly informed of the crimes he is alleged to have committed and of his rights under the Rome Statute of the ICC in a language he fully understands and speaks.
Mr Duterte participated in the hearing via video link from the ICC Detention Centre, as authorised by the Chamber. The hearing was held in the presence of the ICC Prosecutor and the Defence. Mr Duterte was represented during the hearing by Mr Salvador C. Medialdea, and assisted by the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence.
The Chamber provisionally scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing to begin on 23 September 2025. The purpose of the confirmation of charges procedure is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that the person committed the crimes he or she is suspected of.
If the charges are confirmed, totally or partly, the case will be transferred to a Trial Chamber, which will conduct the subsequent phase of the proceedings: the trial.
