PHILIPPINES: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has formally waived his right to attend the upcoming confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. In a signed letter submitted by his legal counsel, Duterte maintained his stance of not recognizing the court’s jurisdiction while also citing his frail health. This development came just hours after his daughter, Sara Duterte—currently serving as Vice President—publicly announced during a live press briefing that she intends to run for the presidency in the 2028 elections
The move comes as the ICC proceeds with its case against the former president, who is accused of crimes against humanity in connection with the deadly war on drugs that defined his administration. The hearings are scheduled to take place from February 23 to 27, 2026.
Contents
A Defiant Stand from Detention
In his letter, Duterte reiterated his long-held position that the ICC has no authority over him or the Philippines. He described his presence in The Hague as a “kidnapping” that was “facilitated by the office of the incumbent President of the Philippines.”
He strongly refuted the allegations against him, calling the claim that he oversaw a policy of extrajudicial killings an “outrageous lie” that has been spread by his political opponents for years. Duterte also stated he did not wish to follow the proceedings, even through video conferencing.
Health and Acceptance of Fate
The former president also opened up about his physical condition, a point his lawyers have previously raised.
“I am old, tired and frail. I wish for this Court to respect my peace inside the cell it has placed me,” Duterte wrote. “I have accepted the fact that I could die in prison.”
Despite this, he expressed pride in his legacy and service to the Filipino people, assuring that his “heart and soul will always remain in the Philippines.” Duterte’s legal team is expected to challenge the prosecution’s evidence on his behalf during the hearing.
Legal Debates Continue in the Philippines
Back home, the legal and political ramifications of Duterte’s detention continue to unfold. The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has argued that petitions filed by Duterte’s children for his release should be dismissed, stating that Philippine courts cannot enforce a writ of habeas corpus outside the country. The OSG maintains that the government complied with international law when it surrendered the former president.
Meanwhile, discussions in the Philippine Senate are ongoing regarding the potential arrest of other officials named in the ICC case, with senators debating the extent of their parliamentary immunity against warrants issued by an international tribunal.
Full Statement letter of former PH President Rodrigo Duterte below:
I, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, wish to waive my right to attend the hearing on the confirmation of charges currently fixed for 23-27 February 2026. I understand the consequences of my waiving this right which has been thoroughly explained to me by my Counsel and I trust him and his team to challenge the sufficiency of the Prosecution’s evidence on my behalf.
I do not wish to follow these proceedings from outside the courtroom through the use of communications technology. An original copy of this waiver and my signature is in the hands of my lawyers.
My reasons are as follows:
I do not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over my person. I am a Filipino citizen forcibly pushed into a jet and renditioned to The Hague in the Netherlands in flagrant contravention of my country’s Constitution and of national sovereignty. My kidnapping was facilitated by the office of the incumbent President of the Philippines with a plane specially chartered for this purpose.
The claim that I oversaw a policy of extra-judicial killings is an outrageous lie. These claims have been peddled by my political opponents for many years and, as my nation knows, they are based on the word of individuals whose credibility has been thoroughly discredited.
I do not wish to attend legal proceedings that I will forget within minutes. I am old, tired, and frail. I wish for this Court to respect my peace inside the cell it has placed me. I have accepted the fact that I could die in prison. But those that desire this fate for me should know that my heart and soul will always remain in the Philippines.
I am proud of my legacy and of my service to my countrymen around the world. Let no one doubt my love for and loyalty to the Filipino nation.
Kaninyo, ako, magpabiling suluguon.
Rodrigo Roa Duterte
The ICC Detention Centre, The Hague, the Netherlands
Dated this 17th day of February 2026