The International Criminal Court (ICC) has delivered another legal blow to former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, with its Appeals Chamber unanimously upholding his continued detention in The Hague.
Appeals Chamber Delivers Unanimous Ruling
On Friday, November 28, 2025, the ICC Appeals Chamber confirmed the rejection of Duterte's request for interim release. Presiding judge Luz del Carmen Ibañez read the five-member chamber's decision in open court, reinforcing an earlier October ruling from the Pre-Trial Chamber.
The court determined that Duterte's continued detention remains necessary to ensure his appearance at trial for alleged crimes against humanity connected to his controversial drug war.
Defense Arguments Fail to Persuade Court
The Appeals Chamber highlighted several critical failures in the defense's case for interim release. Most significantly, the defense could not prove Duterte is not a flight risk despite his status as both former president and recently elected mayor of Davao City.
The chamber expressed concern that Duterte could use his extensive networks and political connections to influence the ongoing investigation into the drug war that spanned from 2011 to 2019.
In a notable development, the chamber endorsed the use of news articles to strengthen arguments against Duterte's release, indicating media reports played a role in their decision-making process.
The defense also failed to demonstrate that conditions for state warranties would be honored if Duterte were released to a third-party country. Additionally, the chamber found humanitarian arguments for his release unsubstantiated.
Background of the ICC Case
Duterte's legal troubles with the international court began with his arrest on March 11, 2025, executed under an ICC arrest warrant. He was immediately transported via private jet to the Netherlands for turnover to the court.
The former president faces serious charges including murder and attempted murder of at least 78 victims during the implementation of his anti-drug campaign. The ICC investigation covers the period when Duterte served as mayor of Davao City and later as President of the Philippines.
This ruling represents a significant setback for the former leader's legal team as they prepare for the upcoming trial that will examine the deadly consequences of the drug war that defined Duterte's presidency.
