ICC appeals chamber: Duterte stays in detention

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber unanimously rejected former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's appeal on March 6, 2026, upholding the Pre-Trial Chamber I's January 26 decision to keep him in detention at The Hague. The five-judge panel issued a 29-page judgment finding no errors in fact, law, or discretion by the Pre-Trial Chamber, confirming that no new or changed circumstances justify modifying his detention. Duterte has been detained since March 12, 2025, and judges are currently deliberating whether his case will advance to trial for crimes against humanity related to the Philippines' 2011-2019 anti-drug campaign.

The defense panel had submitted a joint medical report claiming Duterte's cognitive and health issues at age 80 reduced his flight risk or threats to witnesses, but the Appeals Chamber rejected this argument. The chamber noted that the doctors cited had not conducted fresh examinations and that the defense failed to raise this medical evidence earlier despite Pre-Trial Chamber warnings. The ICC instead relied on prior Panel of Experts reports as the most updated medical information. Under the Rome Statute, detention reviews occur every 120 days.

You may also like · #Duterte

ICC rejects Duterte appeal for interim releaseKaufman criticizes victims' counsel, media in closing remarks

Philippine media outlets including ABS-CBN, Inquirer, GMA, and Manila Bulletin widely reported the decision, noting it prolongs proceedings without independent medical verification. Legal commentator Neri Colmenares supported the ruling, stating defense medical reports would likely be countered by prosecution ones, delaying resolution. The official ICC statement confirmed the appeal's dismissal, and no further updates were reported as of March 7, 2026. The case continues as the court examines allegations of murder and other crimes against humanity during Duterte's presidency.