Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before International Criminal Court (ICC) judges on Wednesday, Sept. 16, for the first time in 18 months as proceedings turned to his health and ability to stand trial.
Duterte, 81, attended the hearing in person, dressed in a black suit and white shirt. He did not speak during the proceedings.
His lawyers have argued that he suffers from cognitive decline affecting his memory and daily functioning, raising questions over his ability to meaningfully participate in the case. The health issue is central to whether the case can proceed to trial, which is scheduled to begin in November.
ICC judges ruled in January that Duterte was sufficiently fit to follow proceedings and ordered him to appear in court rather than participate through a video link from his detention unit.
Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity involving alleged killings linked to his anti-drug campaign. The allegations cover the period from 2011 to 2019, including his years as Davao City mayor and Philippine president. ICC prosecutors have alleged that thousands of people were killed during the campaign, while Philippine police have reported 6,200 deaths in anti-drug operations.
Duterte was arrested in Manila and transferred to ICC custody in The Hague in March 2025. His defense has challenged the prosecution’s case and the court’s jurisdiction.
At Wednesday’s hearing, the presiding judge also urged the parties to work toward an efficient trial, citing Duterte’s age and health and calling for the proceedings to move as quickly as possible.
