MANILA — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ordered the continued detention of former president Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague, ruling that his health condition and age do not outweigh what it described as a “real and substantial risk” that he could flee or obstruct justice if released.
In a ruling issued by ICC Trial Chamber III, the court said the arguments raised by Duterte’s camp failed to present any new circumstances that would justify his release while awaiting trial for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign.
“The defense’s and the ICC Registry’s observations on Duterte’s health condition do not present information that constitute new facts or a change in circumstances,” the chamber said.
The ICC also pointed to Duterte’s public rejection of the tribunal’s authority, saying it raised doubts about whether he would comply with conditions if granted temporary liberty.
“Such statement demonstrates at its lowest that the accused will not comply with any orders that might be made in respect of a release from custody,” the court said.
The tribunal stressed that Duterte’s influence, political connections, and support network in the Philippines remain major factors in keeping him detained despite concerns over his medical condition.
“Taken together with his access to vast resources and contacts, including his family and supporters in the Philippines who may assist him in evading justice, the Chamber finds that… there is a real and substantial risk that the accused could nonetheless abscond or obstruct justice either on his own or through his associates,” the ruling stated.
According to the chamber, Duterte’s physical health and cognitive condition were insufficient to neutralize those risks.
Earlier, the ICC Registry disclosed that the 81-year-old former president is under cell monitoring due to his age and chronic ailments that increase the risk of falls while in detention.
The ICC had previously ruled in January that Duterte remained mentally and physically fit to participate in the confirmation of charges proceedings, a finding later affirmed by the Appeals Chamber in March.
Meanwhile, the tribunal granted the defense request allowing Duterte to skip the first status conference set on May 27, with his lawyers ordered to submit a signed written request no later than May 25.
The upcoming status conference is expected to discuss the possible trial timetable, pretrial deadlines, evidence disclosure, agreed facts, and language arrangements for the proceedings.
“The status conference will be public. However, in order to avoid disclosure of sensitive information regarding witness protection and security issues, the Chamber may order the use of private sessions,” the court said.
The ICC earlier confirmed charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte over alleged killings tied to his anti-drug campaign during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as Philippine president./PN
