Manila: Malaca±ang announced on Thursday that former president Rodrigo Duterte appeared to be in 'good condition' during his first in-person appearance at an International Criminal Court (ICC) status conference.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that Duterte appeared to have accepted the continuation of ICC proceedings on crimes against humanity charges related to his administration's campaign against illegal drugs in the Philippines. Castro remarked, "Unang-una sa mga kababayan natin, nakita naman po natin na maganda naman po ang kalagayan ng ating dating Pangulo na si dating Pangulong Duterte," indicating that the former president was in good health and spirits. She further added, "At nakita naman namin na mukhang accepted naman niya po na magtuloy-tuloy ang hearing sa ICC," suggesting Duterte's acceptance of the ongoing process at the international court.
Duterte, dressed in a black suit and white shirt, attended Wednesday's third status conference of the ICC Trial Chamber III, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration's controversial anti-drug campaign. Notably, he is the first Asian former head of state to stand trial at the ICC, marking a significant moment in the court's history.
The former president was last publicly seen in March 2025, following his arrest by Philippine authorities and subsequent surrender to the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands. During the status conference, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner requested the prosecution to consider reducing its list of witnesses and the current 15,000 items of evidence, emphasizing the importance of concluding the case expeditiously.
Set to commence on November 30, the ICC trial will focus on allegations of killings associated with Duterte's drug war during his presidency. The charges against him include crimes against humanity, such as murder and attempted murder, purportedly committed in relation to the anti-drug campaign initiated during his time as Davao City mayor and later as the Philippine president. Duterte's anti-drug campaign, launched in 2016, has faced severe criticism from both local and international human rights organizations due to the thousands of deaths linked to police operations and vigilante-style killings.
