ICC rejects bid to drop case against ex-Philippine President Duterte

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected a motion seeking to dismiss a case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, paving the way for proceedings over alleged crimes linked to his anti-drug campaign.

Duterte is facing trial over accusations of involvement in the killings of dozens of people during his administration’s war on drugs.

His defence team had challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the ICC had no legal basis to hear the case.

However, judges in The Hague ruled on Wednesday that the court has jurisdiction to proceed, upholding an earlier decision and allowing the criminal process to continue.

Prosecutors allege that the 81-year-old former leader is responsible for crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder in 78 documented cases.

The court is currently assessing whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to full trial, with a decision expected by the end of the month.

Duterte, who served as president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in Manila in March 2025 under an ICC warrant and subsequently transferred to The Hague.

Human rights organisations estimate that thousands of people were killed during his anti-drug campaign, with many deaths reportedly occurring without trial.

The former president has denied the allegations, describing them as baseless. (dpa/NAN)

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