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- Former President Duterte formally waived his right to attend the ICC confirmation of charges hearings scheduled for February 23-27, 2026
- The 80-year-old leader continues to reject the ICC’s jurisdiction, labeling his arrest and detention as an unconstitutional "kidnapping"
- Citing "frailty" and potential memory loss, Duterte authorized his defense team to challenge the evidence in his absence from the courtroom
- The former chief executive stated he has accepted the possibility of dying in detention while maintaining his loyalty to the Philippines
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In a definitive move that sets the stage for a high-stakes legal standoff, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has formally waived his right to attend the International Criminal Court (ICC) hearings scheduled for next week.
Source: Facebook
The notification, submitted to the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, confirms that the 80-year-old leader will not participate in the confirmation of charges proceedings set for February 23 to 27.
Currently held at the Scheveningen Detention Centre in The Netherlands following his arrest in March 2025, Duterte issued a signed statement dated February 17, reiterating his long-standing refusal to recognize the international body’s authority.
"I do not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over my person," he declared, alleging that his presence in The Hague is the result of a "kidnapping" facilitated by the current Philippine administration.
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Duterte’s legal counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, clarified that the former president will not even participate via video conference.
Despite a previous ruling by the court declaring him "fit to stand trial," the former chief executive described himself as "old, tired, and frail," claiming he would likely forget the legal proceedings within minutes of their conclusion.
He has authorized his legal team to challenge the prosecution's evidence in his absence.
The upcoming hearings are a critical procedural step where judges will evaluate whether the prosecution, led by Karim Khan, has "substantial grounds" to believe Duterte committed crimes against humanity.
The charges stem from the nationwide campaign against illegal drug$ during his presidency (2016–2022) and his earlier tenure as mayor of Davao City.
While Duterte maintains that the allegations of a policy of extra-judicial killings are "outrageous lies" peddled by political opponents, the prosecution's Document Containing the Charges (DCC) names several high-profile "co-perpetrators," including Senators Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Bong Go.
In a rare moment of vulnerability, the former president admitted to the possibility of spending his final days behind bars.
"I have accepted the fact that I could die in prison," he wrote. However, he concluded his notification with a message to his supporters, vowing that his "heart and soul will always remain in the Philippines."
The ICC is expected to issue a decision on whether to confirm the charges within 60 days of the hearing's conclusion, which could lead to a formal trial by April 2026.
Rodrigo Duterte rose to national prominence as the long-term mayor of Davao City, where he built a reputation for uncompromising, often violent, anti-crime tactics. Elected as the 16th Philippine President in 2016, he implemented a nationwide "war on drug$" that led to thousands of fatalities and drew intense global condemnation. Following his 2025 arrest via an ICC warrant, he is currently detained in The Hague, facing multiple charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial leadership.
It can be recalled that the International Criminal Court has officially charged former President Rodrigo Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity for his role in the fatal "war on drug$." The charges encompass incidents occurring between 2011 and 2019, covering alleged systematic killings in Davao City and nationwide operations during his presidential term. Duterte is the first former head of state from Southeast Asia to face trial before the ICC and has remained in the court's custody in The Netherlands since March 2025. Pre-trial judges are currently reviewing the evidence to determine if the case will proceed to a full trial, with the confirmation of charges hearing set for February 23, 2026.
A couple of months ago, Kitty Duterte, the youngest daughter of the former leader, confirmed that her father was transported to a medical facility for a standard health assessment. Following the visit, Kitty reported that the former president is in better health than when he first arrived at the Scheveningen Detention Centre last year. The family observed that the 80-year-old former leader appeared mentally sharp and more energetic during their latest interactions, despite his prolonged detention. Through his daughter, Duterte extended his thanks to his supporters and family, emphasizing that their continued prayers have been vital to his morale.
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