Here’s an update from The Hague about former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently in detention.
According to an update from Vice President Sara Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, has already come out of the hospital wing.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has arrested former PH president Rodrigo Duterte over crimes against humanity charges due to his war on drugs. This was highly controversial during his time as president, as it has taken thousands of lives; several were innocent.
He was arrested on March 11, and later at night of the same day, he was flown to The Hague. On March 14, Duterte made his first appearance before the Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC but was allowed to do it remotely. The next hearing for confirmation of charges will be on September 23, 2025.
In a previous article, VP Sara Duterte shared that Duterte was staying in the hospital wing. He was comfortable inside despite the cold weather, and amid his detention, he remained firm and did not regret anything from what had happened. He is taking accountability just as he had promised to his people.
Recently, in an update from The Hague relayed by the vice president, her father is now out of the hospital wing. He was transferred already to the regular ICC detention.
Meanwhile, regarding Duterte’s cases, his legal team will be led by Attorney Nicholas Kaufman and they are talking to some other attorneys to help them. They prefer to have someone who already has ICC experience. The VP also shared that as they make up the legal team, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque were ruled out as members.
Medialdea was hospitalized, while Roque will be focused on seeking an asylum.
According to Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, the first appearance Duterte made was merely to “introduce the parties and to ascertain the charges and to set a date for the confirmation of charges.”
It was “neither the start of the trial nor is it a confirmation of charges.”
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