Former President Rodrigo Duterte has formally declined to attend his upcoming confirmation of charges hearing before the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing his rejection of the tribunal’s jurisdiction, as well as age and health concerns.
In a waiver dated February 17 from the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague, Duterte stated that he would not appear at the proceedings set for February 23–27, 2026, nor would he follow them remotely through communications technology.
“I, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, wish to waive my right to attend the hearing on the confirmation of charges currently fixed for 23–27 February 2026,” the document read.
The former president said he had been fully advised by his legal counsel about the consequences of his decision and expressed confidence in his defense team to challenge what he described as insufficient prosecution evidence.
An original copy of the signed waiver is in the custody of his lawyers.
In the statement, Duterte reiterated that he does not recognize the ICC’s authority over him.
He described himself as a Filipino citizen who was “forcibly pushed into a jet and renditioned to The Hague,” alleging that the transfer violated the Philippine Constitution and national sovereignty.
He further claimed that his transfer was facilitated by the office of the country’s incumbent president, including the use of a specially chartered plane.
Duterte also strongly denied allegations that he oversaw a policy of extrajudicial killings during his administration, calling the accusations “an outrageous lie” allegedly advanced by political opponents and based on testimonies he asserted lack credibility.
Aside from jurisdictional objections, Duterte cited personal reasons for skipping the proceedings.
“I do not wish to attend legal proceedings that I will forget within minutes. I am old, tired, and frail,” he said.
He asked the court to respect his peace inside the detention facility.
The former president acknowledged the possibility of dying in prison but stressed that his “heart and soul will always remain in the Philippines.”
The former leader expressed pride in his record in office,.
“Let no one doubt my love for and loyalty to the Filipino nation. Kaninyo, ako, magpabiling suluguon,” he stated.
The confirmation of charges hearing will determine whether ICC prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
