Palace says Duterte appeared in ‘good condition’ during first in-person ICC status conference

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 18, 2026

Photo courtesy: Presidential Communication Office

Malacañang said former President Rodrigo Duterte appeared to be in “good condition” during his first in-person appearance at an International Criminal Court status conference, as proceedings continue in connection with crimes against humanity charges tied to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Duterte’s appearance suggested that he was in relatively good condition during the proceedings.

“Unang-una sa mga kababayan natin, nakita naman po natin na maganda naman po ang kalagayan ng ating dating Pangulo na si dating Pangulong Duterte,” Castro said.

She also said the Palace observed that Duterte appeared to have accepted that the ICC proceedings would continue.

“At nakita naman namin na mukhang accepted naman niya po na magtuloy-tuloy ang hearing sa ICC,” Castro added.

Duterte attended the third status conference of ICC Trial Chamber III on Wednesday, wearing a black suit and white shirt.

It was his first in-person appearance before the court since his arrest by Philippine authorities and subsequent surrender to the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, in March 2025.

During the status conference, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner asked prosecutors to consider reducing the number of witnesses they intend to present, as well as reviewing their current list of around 15,000 items of evidence.

Korner cited the need to conclude the case as efficiently as possible as preparations continue for the trial.

The trial is scheduled to begin on November 30.

Duterte is facing crimes against humanity charges, including murder and attempted murder, in connection with alleged killings linked to the anti-drug campaign carried out during his years as Davao City mayor and later as president of the Philippines.

His administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, launched after he assumed the presidency in 2016, drew criticism from local and international human rights groups over thousands of deaths linked to police operations and vigilante-style killings.

Duterte is set to become the first Asian former head of state to face trial before the ICC.