It is also the first instance where he was seen by the public within that span.
On Wednesday, September 16, former President Rodrigo Duterte made an appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the status conference of his crimes against humanity case in connection with his bloody war on drugs during his term.
The 81-year-old former chief executive of the country appearee before the Trial Chamber III presided over by Judge Joanna Korner.
During which, she took note that this is Duterte’s first actual appearance inside the courtroom.
Although, immediately following his arrest in March 2025, he was brought to appear before the Pre-Trial Chamber I via teleconferencing. Since then, he has largely been absent from view, including the confirmation of charges hearing last February.
“This is the first time that Mr. Duterte has been in this court. As far as the trial chamber is concerned, if he wishes to leave for any reason, he may do so,” Korner said at the start of the status conference.
Nonetheless, Duterte sat throughout the said conference, with him being momentarily shown on the stream throughout the course of the said proceedings.
the trial on 30 November 2026;¹¹ (ii) a panel of three Court-appointed medical experts submitted their reports on the Accused’s fitness to stand trial (the ‘Panel’s Reports’); 12 (iii) the Prosecution disclosed to the Defence all the testimonial and non-testimonial evidence it intends to use at trial and submitted its List of Witnesses and the List of Evidence on the record; 13 and (iv) the Prosecution submitted its trial brief. 14
Meanwhile, after the status conference, the ICC Trial Chamber issued a decision on the review of detention.
The court said that it finds that the prospect of the accused, Duterte, facing a trial, and in the event of a conviction, a lengthy prison sentence, has increased.
“There is, therefore, a likelihood of the accused absconding and/or obstructing or endangering the investigation or the court proceedings,” it told.
Thus, in respect of the latter considerations, owing to the Prosecution’s submission of the Witness and Evidence Lists, (thereby disclosing the identities of the witnesses and the contents of their expected testimony), “the Accused’s ability to interfere with witnesses, either directly or through his family or supporters in the Philippines” has also likewise said.
As regards the fitness issue, with a decision of the chamber is currently pending, they also found that the Panel’s Reports do not contain any information that warrants a modification of the Accused’s detention.
“Furthermore, the Defence’s Observations do not provide any information that constitutes new facts or a change in circumstances,” it said, adding that it finds no notable change in circumstances that warrant the release of the accused, with or without conditions.
Therefore, the former President will remain detained in the ICC.
According to the previously-released schedule by the court, the opening of the trial has been set for November 30, 2026.
“Before the opening of the trial, the Chamber will address all pending matters and adopt the procedures necessary to facilitate the fair and expeditious conduct of the proceedings,” it added.
