Judges of the International Criminal Court on Thursday upheld charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte over deadly anti-drug actions he allegedly oversaw during his time in office.
A three-judge panel ruled unanimously that there were “substantial grounds” to believe the ex-leader was responsible for dozens of murders, first as mayor of the southern Philippine city of Davao and later as president.
The 80-year-old Duterte was arrested in the Philippines last year and denies the charges against him.
In their 50-page ruling, the judges found that the evidence showed that Duterte “developed, disseminated and implemented” a policy to “neutralize” alleged criminals.
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Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appears before lawmakers at the Senate in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines, on October 28, 2024, to answer questions about his war on drugs. (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Prosecutors say police and members of the hit squad carried out dozens of killings at Duterte’s behest, motivated by the promise of money or to avoid being targeted themselves.
“For some, the killing reached the level of a perverse form of competition,” Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang told the court during hearings in February.
A date for the start of the trial has not yet been set.
Duterte’s lead lawyer Nick Kaufman told judges during the February hearings that he “firmly stands behind his legacy and absolutely maintains his innocence.”
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Former President Rodrigo Duterte speaks at Southorn Stadium during a Thanksgiving gathering organized by Hong Kong Filipino workers on Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP)
Kaufman argued that the prosecutor had “cherished” examples of Duterte’s “bombastic rhetoric” and that his client’s words were never intended to incite violence.
Estimates of the death toll during Duterte’s presidential term vary, from the more than 6,000 reported by the national police to the 30,000 claimed by human rights groups.
Duterte has not been present in court for any hearings because he waived his right to appear. Last month, judges ruled he was fit to stand trial after he postponed an earlier hearing due to concerns about his health.
Security officers patrol the airport in Manila, Philippines, after former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025. (Aaron Favila/AP)
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ICC prosecutors said in 2018 they would open a preliminary investigation into the violent drug crackdown. In a move that rights activists say was aimed at avoiding responsibility, Duterte, who was president at the time, announced a month later that the Philippines would leave the court.
On Wednesday, appellate judges denied a request by Duterte’s legal team to dismiss the case, on the grounds that the court lacked jurisdiction due to the Philippine withdrawal.
