2 hours ago
7
March 14, 2025 | 04:12 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte will face his first hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) today, Friday, March 14, 2025. He is facing charges of crimes against humanity for his war on drugs.
"The Chamber considers it appropriate for the first appearance of Mr Duterte to take place on Friday, Mar 14, 2025 at 2 pm," the court said in a statement on Thursday night, March 13, 2025, as quoted from Channel News Asia.
The 79-year-old man will appear before the judges for the hearing. Duterte will be informed of the alleged crimes and his rights as a defendant.
Duterte is accused of committing crimes against humanity, specifically murder, for his years-long campaign against drug users and dealers. According to human rights groups, the war on drugs has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people.
Upon landing in The Hague, Duterte stated he would take responsibility for his actions. "I have been telling the police, the military, that it was my job and I am responsible," he said through his Facebook account.
Duterte's unexpected arrest in Manila occurred amid deteriorating relations between his family and the Marcos family. Earlier, the Duterte and Marcos clans were close allies.
The current President Ferdinand Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, Rodrigo's daughter, are at odds. Sara is currently facing impeachment proceedings, including allegations of planning to assassinate Marcos.
Sara Duterte flew to the Netherlands immediately to support her father. She referred to Rodrigo Duterte's arrest as oppression and persecution. Duterte's family has filed an emergency order from the Supreme Court to prevent him from being transferred to The Hague.
The families of the victims in the war on drugs hope that Duterte will be brought to justice for the alleged crimes.
Gilbert Andres, a lawyer representing the victims of the war on drugs, said his clients were very grateful as their prayers had been answered. "The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is a great signal for international criminal justice. It means that no one is above the law," said Andres.
According to organizers Rise Up and the Duterte Accountability Campaign Network, a group of family members, lawyers, and human rights activists will gather in Manila on Friday night to watch the live broadcast of the ICC hearing.
Editor's Choice: Duterte Admits Full Responsibility for Philippines' War on Drugs
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Duterte Admits Full Responsibility for Philippines' War on Drugs
1 hari lalu
"I said this already, that I will protect you, and I will be responsible for everything," Duterte said.
What Happens Next to Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte?
1 hari lalu
International Criminal Court (ICC) will take Philippine ex-President Rodrigo Duterte to a coastal detention unit near The Hague.
Doctors Check Philippines' Duterte as Hague-Bound Plane Makes Stopover in Dubai
1 hari lalu
Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte receives medical attention on a flight to The Hague. The plane makes a stopover in Dubai.
Marcos Jr. Claims He Does Not Interfere in Rodrigo Duterte's Arrest
1 hari lalu
Marcos Jr. stated that the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte was in accordance with Interpol rules.
Philippine Ex-President Duterte to Face Murder Charges at ICC for Drug War Killings
1 hari lalu
A plane carrying former Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court took off for Rotterdam, a source told Reuters.
Sara Duterte Condemns ICC Arrest of Her Father as 'State Kidnapping'
2 hari lalu
"This is a blatant affront to our sovereignty and an insult to every Filipino who believes in our nation's independence," said Sara Duterte.
Rodrigo Duterte Flown to The Hague for Trial
2 hari lalu
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, after being arrested, was flown to The Hague, Netherlands on Tuesday night for trial at the ICC
Rodrigo Duterte Put on Plane After Arrest, Taken to The Hague?
2 hari lalu
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was taken on a plane on Tuesday, it said that the flight was bound for The Hague.
Philippines' Ex-President Duterte Put on a Plane After Arrest, Daughter Says
2 hari lalu
Former Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte left Manila on a jet bound for The Hague, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said.
The Chronology of Rodrigo Duterte's Arrest: From War on Drugs to ICC Warrant
2 hari lalu
The ICC initiated a lengthy investigation into Rodrigo Duterte's crimes in 2016, until the former Philippine president was eventually arrested.
