Former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has formally requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I to allow him to waive his right to attend the confirmation of charges scheduled from February 23 to 27, 2026.

In a signed statement dated February 17, Duterte said he does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction over him. “I am a Filipino citizen forcibly pushed into a jet and renditioned to The Hague in flagrant contravention of my country’s Constitution and of national sovereignty,” he wrote. He claimed that his alleged kidnapping was facilitated by the office of the incumbent Philippine president with a specially chartered plane.

Duterte also denied allegations that he oversaw a policy of extrajudicial killings, describing the claims as “an outrageous lie” allegedly spread by political opponents. He emphasized that the accusations were based on statements from individuals whose credibility he says has been discredited.

“I do not wish to attend legal proceedings that I will forget within minutes. I am old, tired, and frail. I wish for this Court to respect my peace inside the cell it has placed me in. I have accepted the fact that I could die in prison. But those that desire this fate for me should know that my heart and soul will always remain in the Philippines,” Duterte added.

He concluded the statement by asserting pride in his legacy and service, urging that no one doubt his loyalty to the Filipino nation. Duterte’s legal team will continue to challenge the sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence on his behalf.

The ICC is investigating allegations of crimes against humanity linked to the Philippines’ nationwide anti-drug campaign, which drew international scrutiny due to thousands of reported deaths in police operations.