Duterte requests to skip hearing on his detention on February 27

Former president Rodrigo Duterte has requested to waive his rights to attend the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) hearings on his pre-trial detention on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.

“The Defence for Rodrigo Roa Duterte hereby notifies the Pre-Trial Chamber of Mr. Duterte’s request to waive his right to attend the annual hearing under Rule 118(3) of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence. The hearing is presently scheduled for 27 February 2026 at 14:00,” the document read.

It was signed by Duterte’s legal counsel Nicholas Kaufman on Monday.

“While Rule 118(3) obliges the Pre-Trial Chamber to hold a hearing on the issues of pre-trial detention at least once every year, it does not mandate the suspect’s appearance at such hearing,” the document further read.

To which the ICC responded, "In accordance with article 61, paragraph 2(a), of the Rome Statute and Rule 124 of the Rules of Proceedings and Evidence, the Pre-Trial Chamber may hold a hearing in the absence of the suspect when the person has waived his right to be present. We are not in a position to comment on this matter at this stage, as it will be determined by the Judges in a public Decision."

To recall, the ICC had denied Duterte’s appeal on the rejection of his request for interim release.

The ICC’s confirmation of charges hearings started on Monday and will continue on February 24, 26, and 27.

Kaufman said Duterte is “not holding up any hope” with the ongoing confirmation of charges hearings in his case before the ICC and told them he might die in detention at The Hague in the Netherlands.

The ICC earlier granted Duterte’s request to waive his right to attend his confirmation of charges hearing in connection with his war on drugs.

Despite objections from the prosecution and the victims’ representatives, the Chamber ruled that Duterte’s request met the legal requirements and decided to proceed with the hearing without him.

Duterte earlier said he does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction over him.

The former president is alleged to have committed crimes against humanity in relation to deadly his war on illegal drugs during his term as Davao City mayor and as President of the Philippines. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News