THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has set September 23, 2025, for the confirmation of charges hearing against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The court also noted that he could apply for “interim release.”
Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc announced this during Duterte’s pretrial at The Hague, where he appeared via video link.
Duterte was represented by his former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.
Motoc explained that Duterte could challenge the charges and evidence during the hearing.
If the charges aren’t confirmed, there will be no trial.
She also clarified that Duterte could request interim release before proceedings begin.
Duterte was taken to the ICC Detention Center after his arrival on Thursday.
The ICC issued a warrant for his alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Philippine drug war, which reportedly claimed between 6,000 and 30,000 lives from 2016 to 2019. The ICC retains jurisdiction despite the Philippines’ 2019 withdrawal.