Rodrigo Duterte ICC Pre-Trial: What You Need to Know
2 min read
MARCH 15,2025
MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ICC Trial an International Criminal Court (ICC) pre-trial following his arrest on March 11, 2025. The 79-year-old ex-leader is now in ICC custody after Interpol and the Philippine National Police (PNP) executed a warrant for crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs.
Rodrigo Duterte ICC Trial: First Court Appearance
Duterte appeared before the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I via live video on March 12, 2025. His legal counsel, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, represented him in person at The Hague, Netherlands.
During the hearing, the ICC judges confirmed his identity, informed him of the charges, and outlined his rights under the Rome Statute. The court clarified that this phase is procedural and does not involve presenting evidence. The defense can raise objections later in the trial.
RELATED STORY: The ICC Judges Who Ordered Duterte’s Arrest.
Rodrigo Duterte ICC Trial: Charges Against the Former President
The ICC accuses Duterte of murder as a crime against humanity, allegedly committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019. This period includes his time as:
- President of the Philippines (2016–2022)
- Mayor of Davao City
- Alleged leader of the Davao Death Squad
His administration’s anti-drug campaign reportedly resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings, many of which were classified as resisting arrest cases.
Duterte’s Arrest and Transfer to ICC Custody
On March 11, 2025, Interpol and the PNP arrested Duterte. That night, authorities transported him from Villamor Air Base on a chartered flight to the Netherlands. He arrived at Rotterdam The Hague Airport on March 12 and was immediately placed under ICC custody.
RELATED STORY: Rodrigo Duterte Arrested for Crimes Against Humanity
Family and Legal Challenges
Duterte’s children are challenging his detention:
- Rep. Paolo Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and Veronica “Kitty” Duterte have filed habeas corpus petitions with the Supreme Court.
- Vice President Sara Duterte arrived in Amsterdam on March 13 (PHT) to support her father’s case at The Hague.
- Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea visited Duterte on March 13.
What’s Next?
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, led by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, with Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera, has set Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing for September 23, 2025.
This hearing will determine if there is enough evidence for a full trial. If the charges proceed, Duterte will face a long legal battle over his war on drugs, which has sparked global criticism and human rights violation accusations.
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