THE International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber 1 (PTC) has postponed the confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte originally set on September 23.
“The majority of the Chamber hereby decides to vacate the date of September 23, 2025 and to postpone the hearing on confirmation of charges until further notice pursuant to Rule 121 (7) of the Rules,” the PTC said.
Judge Maria del Socorro Flores Liera dissented from the majority ruling.
In its decision, the Chamber noted that litigation concerning Duterte’s fitness to participate in the pre-trial proceedings is still ongoing in connection with the defense team’s adjournment request.
“Accordingly, the Majority, Judge Maria del Socorro Flores Liera dissenting, considers that a limited postponement of the hearing in the confirmation of charges is warranted to allow sufficient time to adjudicate the adjournment request. As a result, the date originally set by the Chamber must be vacated and the confirmation of charges hearing is postponed until further notice,” the Chamber’s ruling said.
It stressed that in accordance with the Chamber’s duty to ensure the “fair and expeditious conduct of the proceedings,” the postponement “will be limited to the time strictly necessary to determine whether Mr. Duterte is fit to follow and participate” in the pre-trial proceeding, including the confirmation of charges hearing, and to settle the adjournment request.
“The Chamber will, if applicable, issue a scheduling order, including a specific date for and directions regarding the conduct of the hearing on the confirmation of charges, in due course,” it added.
The September 23 hearing would have been the second time that the 80-year old Duterte would appear before the Chamber handling the crimes against humanity charges filed against him stemming from the bloody anti-drug war of his administration.
Duterte first appeared before the Chamber on March 14, three days after he was arrested in Manila and surrendered flown to the custody of the ICC in the Netherlands.
Duterte’s lawyers have asked the Chamber to grant him interim release, citing humanitarian consideration due to his old age and health.
The ICC Office of the Prosecutor and the Office of Counsel of the Victims have opposed the request.
