MANILA — Former president Rodrigo Duterte will skip his first scheduled appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague after formally authorizing his legal team to represent him during the May 27 status conference tied to crimes against humanity charges over his bloody anti-drug campaign.
Duterte’s lawyers submitted a signed waiver before ICC Trial Chamber III, allowing his counsels to attend and act on his behalf during the proceedings as he remains detained under ICC custody.
The filing, submitted Monday by lead counsel Peter Haynes, complied with the chamber’s earlier order directing the defense to officially place Duterte’s waiver on record before May 25.
“In compliance with that order, the Defence respectfully attaches the signed waiver as Annex A to this filing, in which Mr Duterte also instructed his lawyers to deal with the procedural matters listed on the status conference agenda, as well as any other matters that may be discussed during the hearing,” the defense notification stated.
The former president’s camp earlier informed the court that Duterte fully trusted his legal team to handle matters concerning the initial proceedings.
The status conference is part of the ICC case investigating alleged crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s anti-illegal drug campaign during his presidency and his stint as mayor of Davao City.
The proceedings will be presided over by Judge Joanna Korner alongside Judge Keebong Paek and Judge Nicolas Guillou.
Among the key matters expected to be tackled are the proposed timetable leading to trial, disclosure of evidence, witness protection and participation, and other procedural issues.
Duterte’s waiver came just days after the ICC rejected his request for interim release and ordered his continued detention in The Hague.
In an eight-page ruling dated May 22, ICC Trial Chamber III ruled that there were no substantial changes in circumstances warranting his temporary release from custody.
The tribunal also dismissed arguments raised by Duterte’s camp regarding his alleged deteriorating physical and cognitive condition, including reported memory lapses and incidents of falling.
“Consequently, the Chamber finds that the Accused’s physical condition and cognitive capacities referred to by the Defence do not constitute factors which outweigh the risks outlined above,” the chamber said.
The ICC further noted Duterte’s refusal to recognize the court’s jurisdiction, saying it raised concerns over whether he would comply with release conditions if temporarily freed.
Judges also cited Duterte’s access to financial resources, international connections, and support network in the Philippines, which the chamber said could heighten the risk of flight or obstruction of justice.
Duterte has been under ICC custody since March 2025 in connection with allegations stemming from his administration’s controversial war on drugs./PN
