The legal team of former President Rodrigo Duterte has filed a fresh request before the International Criminal Court (ICC), urging the Pre-Trial Chamber to allow his interim release following the indefinite postponement of his hearing on charges of crimes against humanity.
In a new “Defence Notification” dated September 16, 2025, Duterte’s camp laid out further conditions for his release while litigation over his fitness to stand trial remains unresolved. His defense argued that keeping the former president detained while these proceedings continue—without a definite timeline—is unreasonable.
“Mr. Duterte should not remain in detention while proceedings on fitness… are underway,” said his lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, emphasizing that delays in administrative processes should not strip an individual of their liberty.
The submission comes after the ICC indefinitely postponed Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing, which had been set for September 23. His legal team has consistently claimed that Duterte is mentally unfit to stand trial, citing his inability to recall basic details such as events, dates, and even close family members.
While much of the latest filing remains redacted, it underscores that Duterte’s interim release would be subject to conditions under the court’s supervision. His camp also confirmed that a receiving state willing to host Duterte is prepared to facilitate the court’s requirements as part of the release terms.
In a separate disclosure, Kaufman submitted evidence logs to the Office of the Prosecutor and the Office of Public Counsel for Victims. These included 29 items on September 5 and one item on September 11.
Despite the legal arguments about Duterte’s alleged mental state, his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, offered a different picture earlier this week. Speaking to media, she said her father called her recently and that they discussed politics, flood control, and even his “love life.”
“Tumawag siya last Friday. He’s okay,” she shared.
Duterte is currently being held at the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague. He faces charges stemming from the bloody drug war during his administration, which, according to government records, left over 6,000 suspects dead in police operations. However, human rights groups estimate the real toll could be as high as 30,000, citing extrajudicial killings.
As of now, the ICC Prosecutor has submitted 12 batches of evidence, each containing hundreds to thousands of items. More than 300 victims have applied to participate in the proceedings.
