Inday seeks ICC leeway, as Trump sanctions loom

Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday said she was pleased that International Criminal Court (ICC) judges had finally seen her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, in person, expressing the hope that his advanced age and declining health would be taken into account as the court prepares for his trial.

Duterte, 81, appeared before ICC Trial Chamber III in The Hague on 16 September for a status conference, his first in-person appearance before the trial judges since his arrest and transfer to ICC custody in March 2025.

“I’m happy there was a status conference and that, finally, the judges were able to see the condition of PRRD,” the Vice President told reporters.

“You can see that he is of advanced age, and I hope they will discuss the state of his health,” she added.

“You can see that he is of advanced age, and I hope they will discuss the state of his health,” she added.

The former president’s defense team has raised concerns over the volume of the prosecution evidence and his ability to participate fully in the proceedings. His lawyers also cited his age and alleged cognitive decline in challenging his fitness to stand trial.

In May, Trial Chamber III ordered a new medical assessment of Duterte’s fitness to stand trial after his defense raised concerns about his condition. Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said the issue was pressing and the case should proceed as soon as possible.

The trial chamber ruled during the 16 September conference that Duterte should remain in custody, citing the possibility he may abscond and interfere with witnesses and the proceedings.

Meanwhile, it was learned the Trump administration is preparing sweeping sanctions that would restrict the International Criminal Court’s access to the US financial system.

According to reports, US officials have drafted sanctions against the ICC as an institution that would prohibit US citizens and companies from providing the court with funds, goods, and services without authorization from the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

The proposed measures would expand on earlier US sanctions against individual ICC officials.

Washington has accused the court of pursuing what it calls “illegitimate” investigations involving the United States and its allies, including Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Sanctions won’t affect Duterte

The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines between November 2011 and March 2019 in connection with the government’s “war on drugs.”

Duterte was arrested in March 2025 and transferred to The Hague, where he remains in detention. His trial is set to start in November.

ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said last March the US sanctions had not derailed the Philippine investigation, although broader measures could complicate the court’s operations.

The proposed sanctions could affect the ICC’s ability to pay staff, obtain technology and insurance services, hire investigators, and conduct other core functions.

The developments could also present a diplomatic challenge for the Marcos administration as Manila maintains a security alliance with Washington while the ICC is pursuing a case against a former Philippine president.

Duterte allies, including Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, had previously called on Trump to impose sanctions on Filipinos involved in the ICC proceedings.