International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I has granted former president Rodrigo Duterte’s request to waive his right to attend hearing on his detention scheduled for February 27, 2026, in The Hague.
In a four-page ruling dated February 25, the Chamber approved Duterte’s written request dated February 23, in which the 80-year-old former leader formally expressed his intention not to appear at the annual hearing on his detention.
The hearing is set for Friday, February 27 at 2 p.m. in The Hague and coincides with the final day of the Chamber’s confirmation of charges proceedings against Duterte.
In its decision, the Pre-Trial Chamber noted that Duterte acknowledged his right to attend the hearing but chose to waive it voluntarily.
“The Chamber notes Mr. Duterte’s statements that he understands that he has a right to be present at the hearing but ‘wishes to waive this right’ and that his counsel has explained to him the legal consequences emanating from such a waiver,” the ruling read.
“Considering that nothing in the Court’s legal framework requires the presence of the suspect at the hearing mandated by Rule 118(3) of the Rules, the Chamber finds that, in the present circumstances, it is appropriate to grant Mr. Duterte’s request,” it added.
Earlier this week, Duterte’s defense team submitted a separate written request informing the court that he also does not wish to appear on the last day of the confirmation of charges hearing.
Pre-Trial Chamber I began the confirmation of charges hearings on February 23 to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Duterte is facing allegations of crimes against humanity, specifically murder and attempted murder, in connection with his administration’s anti-drug campaign. The confirmation proceedings will determine whether the case moves forward to a full trial before the ICC.
The former president is being represented by a six-member legal team sent by his family to The Hague.
Duterte has been in The Hague since March 11, 2025, following his arrest and transfer to ICC custody, where he has remained pending the outcome of the confirmation of charges proceedings.
