DUTERTE FACES ICC VIA VIDEO LINK; CONFIRMATION OF CHARGES HEARING SET FOR SEPT. 23, 2025

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday faced the International Criminal Court (ICC) via video link in the Hague, the Netherlands, where he is facing allegations over his deadly war on drugs.

The 79-year-old  Duterte  was allowed to follow Friday’s proceedings via video link from a detention center after Presiding Judge, Iulia Motoc noted that he had endured “a long journey with considerable time difference.”

Duterte was notified by the court of the crimes he is alleged to have committed.

He was also informed of his rights under the Rome Statue.

Sounding frail and wearing a blue suit and tie,  the former president spoke briefly to confirm his name and date of birth.

Duterte’s lawyer Medialdea told the court that his client had been kidnapped from his country and summarily transported to The Hague.

He said that to the lawyer, the incident was an extrajudicial rendition but for less legal minds, it’s “pure and simple kidnapping.”

Duterte’s legal counsel also said his client was unable to contribute to the proceedings because of what he termed as “debilitating medical issues.” But Motoc said the court doctor who had examined Duterte was of the opinion that he was “fully mentally aware and fit.”

The proceedings began at 2:34 p.m. and ended at 2:59 p.m.

The ICC court set the next hearing on the confirmation of the charges for Sept. 23, 2025.

“After assessing all factors, including the need for the parties and participants to adequately prepare, as well as Mr. Duterte’s rights, including his right to be tried within a reasonable time, the date for the commencement of the confirmation of charges hearing is September 23, 2025,” Motoc said.

“I would add that in accordance with Rule 1217 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, this date may be postponed by the Chamber depending on the progress of the proceedings, either on its own motion or at the request of the prosecutor or the defense,” she added.

Meawhile, Duterte’s daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, Sen. Robin Padilla, and former presidential spokesperson attorney Harry Roque were in the gallery during the proceedings.

Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Jose Eduardo Malaya III was also present.

The Vice President travelled to the Netherlands to express support to her father.

Duterte was arrested on Tuesday based on an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity over his bloody war on drugs.

He was brought to the Hague in the Netherlands to defend himself before the ICC.

Duterte arrived at Rotterdam airport on a chartered plane Wednesday and was transferred to the ICC detention center.

It can be recalled that in a Senate hearing last year, the former president said: “I did what I had to do, and whether you believe it or not, I did it for my country.”