Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's legal representatives and family have strongly refuted viral social media claims alleging he was discovered unconscious in his International Criminal Court detention cell.
Official Denials from Legal Team and Family
Lead counsel Atty. Nicholas Kaufman issued a firm statement addressing the circulating misinformation. "I would like to state, in no uncertain terms, that the information circulating on the internet suggesting that former President Duterte was found unconscious in his cell this morning is totally untrue," Kaufman declared. The attorney confirmed he had recently spoken with Duterte, who remains "stoically awaiting the judgment of the ICC Appeals Chamber on the matter of interim release."
Vice President Sara Duterte addressed the situation during the Run for Du30 Leg 2 event in Davao City, providing context about her father's condition. "Dili to tinuod ug walay nahitabo na ing-ato," she stated, translating to "That's not true, and nothing like that happened." The Vice President suggested the alarming reports might have originated as pranks from Duterte supporters, quoting her father's perspective that "maybe it was just a prank by many of my supporters."
Critical ICC Timeline and Case Background
Rodrigo Duterte entered ICC custody on March 12, 2025 following an arrest warrant issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I on March 7. The ICC alleges his involvement as an "individual responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator" for crimes against humanity, specifically murder occurring between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.
The legal proceedings have seen several significant developments. Duterte made his initial court appearance via video link from the ICC Detention Centre on March 14, 2025. On September 26, 2025, the Pre-Trial Chamber denied his request for interim release, citing concerns about potential witness intimidation, investigation obstruction, and flight risk.
Duterte's defense team filed an appeal on October 14, emphasizing humanitarian considerations including his age of 80 and alleged declining health. However, the ICC Prosecutor's Office has urged the Appeals Chamber to dismiss the appeal, arguing the defense failed to identify legal or factual errors in the original decision.
Upcoming Decision and Release Conditions
The ICC Appeals Chamber will deliver its ruling on November 28, 2025 regarding Duterte's interim release request. Vice President Sara Duterte expressed hope for "good news for the public hearing on the appeal for his interim release," while assuring that regardless of the outcome, "the family will continue to support him in his stay in The Hague and continue to work with his defense team."
ICC officials have indicated that any potential interim release would require strict conditions. Spokesperson Dr. Fadi El Abdallah outlined possible restrictions including travel limitations, suppression of public communications, and controlled contact with individuals. According to redacted court documents, Duterte has already committed to refrain from public engagement, avoid electronic devices like mobile phones, and limit interactions to close family members.
Adding complexity to the case, ICC judges rejected a jurisdictional challenge from Duterte's defense, maintaining authority despite the Philippines' 2019 withdrawal from the Rome Statute. Meanwhile, Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan was disqualified in October 2025 over perceived bias, with a deputy prosecutor now overseeing proceedings.
As the November 28 decision approaches, Duterte remains detained at the Hague Penitentiary Institution, with his future dependent on the Appeals Chamber's ruling that could either keep him confined or grant conditional release under stringent safeguards.
