dexinwin Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made a rare public appearance at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on September 16, marking the first time he had personally attended proceedings before the ICC judges since being transferred to the Netherlands in March 2025.
The 81-year-old former president appeared in the courtroom wearing a black suit and white shirt. He remained largely silent throughout the hearing, listening to the proceedings and acknowledging family members in the public gallery. Previously, Duterte had participated in legal proceedings remotely by video.
Duterte's appearance attracted significant attention because it came as his case moves closer to a formal trial.
He was arrested in the Philippines in March 2025 and subsequently transferred to the ICC detention center in The Hague. The court is pursuing a case concerning alleged crimes against humanity linked to killings during Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs while he served as mayor of Davao City and later as president of the Philippines.
Duterte has denied the allegations.
The September 16 hearing was not the start of the trial. Instead, it was a status conference focused on procedural issues ahead of the formal proceedings.
The ICC judges discussed the prosecution's proposed witnesses and evidence, disclosure issues and the timetable for the upcoming trial. According to GMA News, the court also considered the proposed sitting schedule from November 30 through the 2027 spring recess, including breaks and daily hearing hours.
The hearing was particularly notable because Duterte had not personally attended the previous two related proceedings.
During the session, he did not make a public statement. Reuters reported that he sat quietly in the courtroom and waved to family members watching from the gallery.
His appearance also renewed attention on questions surrounding his ability to participate fully in the proceedings.
Duterte's defense team has previously raised concerns about his age and health and questioned whether he could adequately participate in a lengthy trial. The ICC has been addressing the issue through legal and medical procedures.
Following the September hearing, the court maintained Duterte's detention in The Hague. The ICC has previously cited concerns including the possibility of flight and interference with witnesses or proceedings when considering his continued detention.
The formal trial is currently scheduled to begin on November 30.
The case stems from the ICC's investigation into alleged crimes committed in the Philippines between November 2011 and March 2019 in connection with Duterte's anti-drug campaign. Prosecutors have accused him of crimes against humanity, while Duterte has rejected the allegations.
The case remains politically and socially significant in the Philippines. Duterte continues to have supporters in the country, while victims' families and human rights groups have called for accountability through the judicial process.
For now, Duterte's courtroom appearance does not represent a final judgment in the case. It marks another procedural step as the ICC prepares for the trial.
With the November 30 start date approaching, the court is expected to focus increasingly on the prosecution's evidence, witness list, defense arguments and the practical arrangements required for the proceedings.
Duterte's quiet appearance in The Hague therefore represents less a conclusion than the beginning of a new stage in one of the most closely watched international legal cases involving a former Philippine leader.
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