ICC says attacks won’t affect Duterte trial after charges confirmed

Metro Manila, Philippines –  The International Criminal Court said criticisms and attacks against the tribunal will not affect its handling of the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is set to stand trial for crimes against humanity.

In an interview on The Newsmaker, ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet said the court remains committed to its mandate despite political pressure.

“I can assure you that attacks against the ICC do not affect the court’s commitment, our determination to fulfill the mandate of the ICC under the Rome Statute,” Maillet said.

She emphasized that the court continues to operate based on international law and due process.

“The ICC operates in strict accordance with the Rome Statute and the principles of fairness and due process,” she said.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber on April 23 confirmed three counts of crimes against humanity against Duterte, including murder and attempted murder, in connection with his administration’s anti-drug campaign.

The chamber said there were “substantial grounds to believe” the alleged crimes were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against civilians in the Philippines between November 2011 and March 2019.

With the confirmation of charges, Duterte will face a full trial before the ICC, becoming the first Asian former head of state to be tried by the tribunal for crimes against humanity.

The case will now be transferred to a Trial Chamber, which will be composed of three judges tasked with overseeing proceedings, setting the timetable and ruling on evidence.

Maillet said the ICC is working efficiently across all stages of its cases despite challenges.

“The ICC is acting expeditiously and efficiently at all phases of the proceedings — investigations, pre-trial, trial, appeals and reparations,” she said.

Duterte has been detained at the ICC facility in The Hague since March 2025 after surrendering to the court.

The confirmation of charges followed a ruling by the ICC Appeals Chamber upholding the tribunal’s jurisdiction, rejecting Duterte’s argument that the court no longer had authority after the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019.

The appeals judges ruled that the withdrawal does not affect cases already under consideration.

Under ICC rules, Duterte is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt and has the right to a fair and impartial trial.