The International Criminal Court (ICC) ordered former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte to continue remaining in detention, according to an eight-page decision released on Friday, May 22.
The Trial Chamber III said there were no significant changes in circumstances that would justify Duterte’s release, with or without conditions, as it conducted its first review of his detention.
The chamber upheld earlier findings by Pre-Trial Chamber I that Duterte poses a flight risk, citing his rejection of the court’s authority, access to resources, international connections, and the severity of the charges against him.
Judges also reiterated concerns he could interfere with proceedings, pointing to his alleged ability to influence associates and prior breaches of contact restrictions.
Since the previous review, charges against Duterte have been confirmed — a development the chamber said increases the risk that an accused person may abscond.
“The Chamber observes that it is this Court’s consistent and longstanding jurisprudence that the confirmation of charges increases the risk that an accused may abscond and is therefore not a change in circumstances that militates in favour of conditional release, but rather one supporting continued detention,” the chamber said, adding that risks identified under the court’s statute have either increased or remained unchanged.
Duterte’s defense argued that his deteriorating physical and cognitive condition warranted reconsideration, citing reports of frequent falls and memory issues.
However, the chamber said evaluations by three court-appointed medical experts did not support modifying his detention and found no new information that would outweigh the risks.
Judges also noted Duterte’s refusal to attend his confirmation hearing and his statement rejecting the ICC’s jurisdiction, saying this indicates he may not comply with release conditions.
“There is a real and substantial risk that the Accused could nonetheless abscond or obstruct justice either on his own or through his associates,” the chamber said, noting Duterte’s access to vast resources and contacts, including his family and supporters in the Philippines who may assist him in evading justice
The ruling means Duterte will remain in custody in The Hague as proceedings before the ICC continue.
