VP Duterte hopes ICC judges consider father’s age, health

Vice President Sara Duterte said Monday she was pleased that International Criminal Court judges had finally seen her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, in person, saying his advanced age and health should be discussed as the court prepares for his trial.

Rodrigo Duterte, 81, personally appeared before ICC Trial Chamber III in The Hague on 16 September for a status conference in his case, his first in-person appearance before the trial judges since he was arrested and surrendered to the court in March 2025.

“Masaya ako na nagkaroon ng status conference at finally nakita ng mga judges kung ano ’yung estado ni PRRD,” Duterte told reporters in an ambush interview.

“Nakikita niyo na he's on advanced age at sana ay mapag-usapan nila ’yung estado ng kalagayan ng kanyang kalusugan,” she added.

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

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

The former president remains in ICC detention in The Hague after the Trial Chamber III ruled  during the September status conference that he should remain detained, citing concerns including the possibility of absconding and interfering with witnesses or proceedings.