Rodrigo Duterte requests to waive appearance at ICC hearing

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has requested the International Criminal Court Appeals Chamber to permit him not to attend on April 22 the reading of its decision on their appeal against an earlier ruling that junked his challenge to the jurisdiction of the ICC.

In a 3-page document dated April 13, Duterte said he would be represented by his legal counsel.

The document was signed by lawyer Nicholas Kaufman.

On April 22, the Appeals Chamber will issue its decision on the appeal of Duterte against an earlier ruling that junked his challenge to the jurisdiction of the ICC.

The chamber set the delivery of the judgement in open court on April 22 at 11:00 a.m. in The Hague, The Netherlands.

The former president skipped attending his confirmation of charges hearings during the last week of February this year for several reasons, but mainly because he does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction over him

Duterte is facing charges before the ICC for crimes against humanity over his administration’s controversial drug war.

The former official’s legal battle began following his arrest in the Philippines and subsequent transfer to the ICC in March 2025. He and his team have since filed numerous motions and pleadings with the court. 

READ: TIMELINE: Legal battle at ICC over Duterte's drug war

—KG, GMA News