The International Criminal Court – ICC has denied the defense’s request for the interim release of former Philippine president Rody Duterte, reaffirming that his detention remains necessary under Article 60(2) of the Rome Statute.
In a public redacted version of its decision released on October 10, 2025, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, composed of Judges Iulia Motoc (Presiding), Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou, and María del Socorro Flores Liera, rejected the defense’s “Urgent Request for Interim Release” and “Renewed Request for Interim Release.” The Chamber ruled that Duterte’s detention continues to be justified under Article 58(1) of the Statute.
The court emphasized that the defense failed to sufficiently establish humanitarian grounds for his temporary release. While acknowledging Duterte’s age—80 years—and unspecified medical concerns, the Chamber noted that the former president has access to appropriate medical treatment while in custody, as required by ICC regulations. The judges also confirmed that measures are in place to guarantee Duterte’s right to family visits and communication with relatives, thereby ensuring his humane treatment in detention.
The ICC decision comes shortly after the Philippine Senate adopted Resolution No. 144 on October 1, 2025, urging the international court to consider placing Duterte under house arrest for humanitarian reasons. The resolution passed with 15 affirmative votes, while Senators Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino opposed it. Senate President Tito Sotto and Senator Raffy Tulfo abstained.
Despite the Senate’s appeal, the ICC concluded that Duterte’s continued detention remains necessary and ordered the rejection of all related requests and filings, reaffirming the authority of the international tribunal in handling the case.
