MANILA — Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team is preparing to refile its petition for interim release, banking on his deteriorating health, after the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber denied his effort to secure temporary liberty.
In a statement, lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said the defense intends to revive its plea once Duterte completes a medical evaluation set for submission next month. Kaufman stressed that the former president, now 80, suffers from “debilitating physical conditions and cognitive issues,” which he argued eliminate any risk of flight or harm to witnesses.
Kaufman added that the legal team may continue pressing the issue under ICC Rule 118, which mandates a review of a detainee’s status every 120 days.
On November 14, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I disclosed that it had appointed medical experts to assess Duterte’s fitness to stand trial, with their findings due on December 5. This followed an earlier ruling in September denying his initial request for interim release, as judges maintained that detention remained necessary to ensure his appearance and prevent interference in the proceedings.
The chamber cited risks of obstruction and possible threats to witnesses. It also referenced the “kidnapping” allegations raised by Duterte’s family during his March arrest, saying the claims suggested attempts to evade prosecution.
Duterte initially sought interim release on June 12 but later asked for a postponement. His camp revived the plea in August, facing opposition from ICC prosecutors and representatives of drug war victims.
The former president has spent nearly nine months at the ICC Detention Center in Scheveningen, The Hague, following his turnover by the Philippine government in connection with alleged crimes against humanity tied to his anti-drug campaign and the so-called Davao Death Squad.
The government officially attributes more than 6,000 deaths to the drug war, while human rights groups place the figure closer to 30,000./PN
