Rodrigo Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, travelled to The Hague on Monday to sit in the public gallery of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Diplomat reported that his presence was the first time he has physically attended an ICC proceeding, after the court opened a preliminary examination into alleged crimes committed during his administration's anti‑drug campaign.
The hearing, which focused on the ICC prosecutor's request to expand the scope of the investigation, proceeded without Duterte speaking publicly. He was accompanied by a team of legal advisers and former government officials. Observers noted that his attendance came after the Philippines formally withdrew from the court's jurisdiction in 2024, a move that the ICC has said does not affect the continuation of its inquiry.
Philippine authorities declined to comment on the former president's motives for appearing, while the current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated its opposition to the ICC's involvement in domestic matters. The Diplomat cited a statement from the Office of the President that emphasized respect for national sovereignty and the country's legal processes.
Human‑rights organisations welcomed Duterte's appearance, describing it as an opportunity for greater transparency. They urged the court to proceed swiftly with its investigation, which they say could shed light on alleged extrajudicial killings and other violations linked to the anti‑drug crackdown that resulted in thousands of deaths.
The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, has previously indicated that the court intends to assess whether sufficient evidence exists to move from a preliminary examination to a formal investigation. The prosecutor's office has not disclosed any new evidence but has signaled that the investigation remains active despite the Philippines' withdrawal.
Legal experts consulted by The Diplomat noted that Duterte's presence does not alter the legal standing of the case but may have symbolic significance. They explained that the ICC can continue its work irrespective of a state's membership status, provided the alleged crimes fall within the court's jurisdiction.
The session concluded without a decision on the prosecutor's request, and the court scheduled a follow‑up hearing for later in the year. Duterte returned to Manila after a brief stay in the Netherlands, where he reportedly met with his legal team to discuss next steps. The Diplomat indicated that the former president has not publicly addressed the outcome of the hearing.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by The Diplomat — original source: https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/former-philippine-president-duterte-makes-first-in-person-appearance-at-icc/.