The Prosecution has formally opposed former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to waive his right to attend the upcoming International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmation of charges hearing.
In a waiver dated February 17 from the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague, Duterte declined to attend the proceedings set for February 23–27, 2026, citing his rejection of the tribunal’s jurisdiction, as well as age and health concerns. He also stated that he would not follow the hearings remotely via communications technology.
In the publicly released, redacted “Prosecution Response to Defence” dated February 19, the Prosecution argued that Duterte cannot unilaterally excuse himself, as only Pre-Trial Chamber I has the authority to determine whether sufficient cause exists for an absence. Such requests are granted only in exceptional circumstances.
The Prosecution concluded that there is no reasonable cause for Duterte’s absence and urged the Chamber to reject his request.
In his statement, Duterte reiterated that he does not recognize the ICC’s authority over him. He claimed he was “forcibly pushed” to The Hague, alleging the transfer violated the Philippine Constitution and national sovereignty, and accused the current administration of facilitating it.
Duterte also denied overseeing extrajudicial killings, calling the allegations false and politically motivated, and cited personal reasons for skipping the proceedings.
