The International Criminal Court (ICC) has denied former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's appeal for interim release while awaiting trial. The decision brought relief to drug war victims' families, though anger persists over delays and the lack of a trial start date. Duterte's defense plans to reintroduce the request after his medical evaluation.
On November 28, 2025, the ICC Appeals Chamber upheld the Pre-Trial Chamber's decision to deny former president Rodrigo Duterte's request for interim release. The five judges unanimously agreed that Duterte's network of supporters poses risks, including flight or witness interference. The decision noted that the defense failed to show how his health mitigates these dangers.
At the Paghilom center in Manila, drug war victims watched the ruling and clapped, but the key question lingered: 'When will the trial start?' The Prosecution Office stated it is preparing for the confirmation of charges hearing. Women like Gina, Lea, and Minda—who lost sons in 2018 and 2019—expressed ongoing anger at Duterte's and allies' rhetoric. 'I am still angry,' said Gina about her breadwinner son's killing. Lea lost two sons missing since 2019, while Minda believes officials' 'ugly words' incited killings.
Defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman plans to reintroduce the request after Duterte's medical evaluation in December. 'The ICC Appeals Chamber has never affirmed interim release for those charged with crimes against humanity,' he said. The Center for International Law and National Union of People’s Lawyers welcomed the ruling as a step toward justice, emphasizing Duterte's detention ensures victim safety.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Supreme Court ordered memoranda on petitions for Duterte's release. His grandson Omar Duterte called it 'borderline inhumane' due to the 80-year-old's age and health. Father Flavie Villanueva countered, 'Duterte is not a victim, that’s a lie.' The ICC can review the case every 120 days.