Returning to the FPPRD once more
Former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands, facing charges of crimes against humanity related to killings during his administration's controversial war on drugs. His arrest took place on March 11, 2025, and he remains in custody as of August 2025.
The ICC has deferred ruling on Duterte's request for interim release while awaiting trial, seeking more evidence before making a decision. His defense team has filed motions questioning the ICC’s jurisdiction and procedural validity, arguing that the investigation exceeded the one-year time limit allowed under the Rome Statute and that the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC should limit jurisdiction. Despite these motions, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I partially granted requests to suspend some procedural deadlines but maintained the expeditiousness of the court's proceedings.
The next significant court event is the confirmation of charges hearing, which is scheduled for September 23, 2025. This hearing will determine whether the case will proceed to trial.
Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte has expressed concern over the impact of detention on his father's mental health, stating it could lead to depression and loss of appetite. He also observed that his father has become noticeably thinner due to a lack of appetite while in detention. Baste did not provide details about the circumstances of his father's detention or any new specific charges against him.
Baste Duterte plans to visit his father in The Hague, but did not provide a specific date for the trip. He urged residents of Davao City to continue following the direction of the current administration, led by the Philippine's President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Duterte's case with the ICC is ongoing, and the court's proceedings continue to progress, albeit with some procedural delays. It is expected that the confirmation of charges hearing will provide a clearer picture of the direction the case will take.
[1] ABS-CBN News. (2025, March 11). Rodrigo Duterte arrested by ICC over drug war crimes. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/11/25/rodrigo-duterte-arrested-by-icc-over-drug-war-crimes
[2] Reuters. (2025, July 15). ICC delays ruling on Duterte's request for interim release. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/iccs-pre-trial-chamber-delays-ruling-on-duterte-request-interim-release-2025-07-15/
[3] Rappler. (2025, August 10). Baste Duterte: Father Rodrigo Duterte's situation is 'very unjust'. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/2774044-baste-duterte-father-duterte-situation-very-unjust
[4] Inquirer.net. (2025, May 12). Duterte's defense files motion to quash ICC investigation. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1415294/duterte-defense-files-motion-to-quash-icc-investigation
[5] CNN Philippines. (2025, June 28). ICC grants Duterte's request to suspend some procedural deadlines. Retrieved from https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2025/6/28/ICC-grants-Duterte-s-request-to-suspend-some-procedural-deadlines.html
- The charge of crimes against humanity against Former President Rodrigo Duterte, related to killings during his administration's war on drugs, is currently being handled by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
- The ICC is deliberating on Duterte's request for interim release while he awaits trial, and is seeking more evidence before making a decision.
- Duterte's defense team has challenged the ICC’s jurisdiction and procedural validity, arguing that the investigation exceeded the time limit allowed under the Rome Statute and that the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC should limit jurisdiction.
- Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte has shared concerns about the impact of his father's detention on his mental health, stating it could lead to depression and loss of appetite.
- The confirmation of charges hearing for Duterte's case at the ICC is scheduled for September 23, 2025, which will determine whether the case will proceed to trial.
