Duterte stays in detention

MANILA, Philippines — Former president Rodrigo Duterte will remain in detention in The Hague after trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) found “no notable change” in circumstances that would war- rant his release.

The decision on Duterte’s second review detention was released by the ICC Trial Chamber III hours after he appeared for the first time in person before the international tribunal.

“The chamber finds that the prospect of the accused facing a trial, and (in the event of a conviction), a lengthy prison  sentence , has increased.

There is therefore, a likelihood of the accused absconding and/or obstructing or endangering the investigation or the court proceedings,” the five-page decision stated.

“In respect of the latter considerations, owing to the prosecution’s submission of the witness and evidence lists, (thereby disclosing the identities of the witnesses and the contents of their expected testimony), this increases his ability to interfere with witnesses, either directly or through his family or supporters in the Philippines,” it added.

Although the decision on Duterte’s fitness to stand trial is still pending, the judges also ruled that the expert panel’s reports “do not contain any new information that warrants a modification of the detention.”

Duterte, 81, appeared subdued as he sat in the last row of the defense section during the third status conference on the crimes against humanity case filed against him before the tribunal.

Sporting a different hairstyle and dressed in a black suit and white shirt, the former president mainly listened as the parties discussed details of his upcoming trial, currently scheduled to begin on Nov. 30.

ICC Trial Chamber III Presiding Judge Joanna Korner did not directly address Duterte, but his presence was noted at the start of proceedings.

Duterte has been detained at the ICC in The Hague since his arrest. He was last seen by the public during his initial appearance hearing on March 14, 2025.

His defense team previously argued that he is no longer fit to stand trial, citing his supposed deteriorating medical condition.

But in a statement, the Duterte Panagutin Network said his appearance at the ICC is proof that the trial can proceed.

“Duterte has now appeared in court and looks well, exposing the myth that his camp has continuously pushed of a sickly old man that was supposedly ‘unfit to stand trial,’” said Fiona Magallanes, convenor of Panagutin Netherlands, a part of the network pushing for accountability over drug war killings.

“Duterte’s appearance in court today proves that he has been feigning sick all this time. It was a delaying tactic, delaying justice and delaying healing for the victims’ families. We sincerely hope to see him again on the first day of the trial on Nov. 30, and for him to finally face the victims of his crimes,” she added.

Korner said Trial Chamber III will soon make a ruling on Duterte’s fitness to stand trial, based on the reports of medical experts tapped to conduct an independent assessment of his condition.

The status conference focused on details of the prosecution’s case, including its list of witnesses and evidence.

The judge urged the prosecution to trim down the list of witnesses it intends to present, stressing the need to conclude the case as soon as possible.

Defense lawyer Peter Haynes also raised the issue of disclosure, describing the situation as a “mess” due to the bulk of documents provided by the prosecution.

Korner directed the parties to submit their positions in writing, saying the matters will be resolved either in writing or during the next status conference.

abtestabtest LIVE Coverage: Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Sept. 16 By PhilstarLIVE | 16 hours ago Follow the trial, in context and in real time. Headlines VP Sara ready to replace Marcos, says spokesperson By Bella Cariaso | 1 day ago Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to replace President Marcos in case the latter resigns, according to her spokesman.... Headlines For ex-CJ Davide, 16 votes not necessarily required to convict Sara Duterte 14 hours ago Retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. argued that the two-thirds impeachment threshold should be based only on senators... Headlines Congress urged: Permanently remove system loss charge By Delon Porcalla | 1 day ago It’s now the turn of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to do its part in giving relief... Headlines Rodrigo Duterte makes first appearance at ICC By Richard Carter | 8 hours ago Former president Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court for the first time Wednesday, as he... Headlines Latest More in Headlines SC directs Congress: Pass anti-dynasty law Ex-CJs to Senate: You decide on 16-vote threshold Defense may question voting threshold rule before SC Philippines retains spot in Global Gender Gap index abtest Comelec names 8 BARMM sectoral representatives By Christine Boton | 48 minutes ago The Commission on Elections has announced the winning political parties and sectoral representatives in the first parliamentary... Headlines Romualdez pleads not guilty in P7.4 billion plunder case By Daphne Galvez | 48 minutes ago Leyte representative and former speaker Martin Romualdez has pleaded not guilty to plunder charges over his alleged P7.4-billion... Headlines House adopts Senate bill on BSKE By Delon Porcalla | 48 minutes ago In a move to hasten the process, the House of Representatives has decided to adopt the approved measure of the Senate providing... Headlines Panganiban to Risa: You’re single... I’m single By Marc Jayson Cayabyab | 48 minutes ago Retired chief justice Artemio Panganiban drew some uncomfortable laughter in the plenary yesterday after teasing Sen. Risa... Headlines Recommended Liga ng mga Barangay Cebu backs 5-year term for officials September 16, 2026 - 12:00am Cebu Provincial Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) Cebu Provincial Federation President Celestino Martinez III welcomed the Senate’s approval of a bill extending the term of barangay and Sangguniang...r HeadlinesOFFICIALS Paglili sa bilyones September 12, 2026 - 12:00am Pila ka adlaw sa dili pa mosugod pagpresentar og mga ebidensiya aron pagmatuod sa pasangil sa ilegal nga katigayonan ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte sa pagpadayon sa impeachment trial karong Lunes, gipalili na sa...r HeadlinesSARA DUTERTE Supina ni Sara September 11, 2026 - 12:00am Mas lig-on ang mga sukaranan sa defense team ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte sa pagsupak sa mosyon nga ipasaka sa prosekusyon nga moawhag sa Senate impeachment court sa pag-supina niya aron maoy mangunay sa pagtubag...r HeadlinesSARA DUTERTE next Recommended Liga ng mga Barangay Cebu backs 5-year term for officials Cebu Provincial Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) Cebu Provincial Federation President Celestino Martinez III welcomed the Senate’s approval of a bill extending the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to five years. He said the longer tenure would give local leaders more time to implement and complete programs and projects. 1 day ago OFFICIALS Paglili sa bilyones Pila ka adlaw sa dili pa mosugod pagpresentar og mga ebidensiya aron pagmatuod sa pasangil sa ilegal nga katigayonan ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte sa pagpadayon sa impeachment trial karong Lunes, gipalili na sa House panel of prosecutors ang publiko sa iyang bank accounts: 5 days ago SARA DUTERTE Supina ni Sara Mas lig-on ang mga sukaranan sa defense team ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte sa pagsupak sa mosyon nga ipasaka sa prosekusyon nga moawhag sa Senate impeachment court sa pag-supina niya aron maoy mangunay sa pagtubag sa mga pasangil: 6 days ago SARA DUTERTE OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!