ICC rejects Duterte's bid to disqualify judges over alleged bias

The International Criminal Court (ICC) released a full decision on 3 July, declaring that there was “no bias or lack of impartiality” found in the two judges whom former President Rodrigo Duterte sought to disqualify.

The disqualification request filed by Duterte’s camp targeted Pre-Trial Chamber judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera. The ICC rejected the request last month.

"A plenary of judges was convened on 9 June 2025 in order to consider the application. The plenary of judges, acting unanimously, decided to reject the application," the ICC decision read.

In the full decision released yesterday, the ICC clarified that the judges performed their duties in accordance with the Rome Statute and found no evidence of partiality.

"The plenary of judges, acting unanimously, considers that no actual nor reasonable apprehension of bias arises in respect of Judges Alapini-Gansou and Flores. The plenary of judges considers that the judges acted, at all times, in accordance with the judicial duties assigned to them under the Statute," the decision stated.

The decision concluded: "The plenary of judges, acting unanimously, rejects the application," as signed by ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane.

Duterte is currently in custody at The Hague, Netherlands, facing charges of crimes against humanity. A confirmation hearing is scheduled for 23 September 2025.