Former President Rodrigo Duterte has waived his right to be present during the reading of the judgment on his appeal regarding the International Criminal Court’s earlier rejection of his request for interim release.

The ICC Appeals Chamber is scheduled to read its ruling on Duterte’s appeal in open court on Friday, November 28 at 10:30 a.m.

According to a notification dated November 27 filed by Duterte’s legal counsel, the defense placed on record Duterte’s “signed waiver of his right to be present” during the reading of the judgment on the defense appeal in open court.

“I, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, respectfully waive my right to appear before the Appeals Chamber on 28 November 2025 at 10:30 and, consequently, instruct my lawyers to hear the judgment that will be rendered on my appeal against Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision on interim release – ICC-01/21-01/25-282,” the document stated.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's signed waiver

The 80-year-old former President will be represented in court by his legal counsel.

On November 20, the ICC Appeals Chamber released its schedule for the delivery of its decision on Duterte’s appeal of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I’s rejection of his request for interim release.

Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity for murder and attempted murder before the ICC in connection with his war on illegal drugs.

The ICC said the reading of the ruling will be available online.

On October 14, an appeal was lodged stating that the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I erred in finding that the former President posed a risk, in rejecting state guarantees, and in failing to take into account humanitarian considerations.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I denied Duterte’s bid for interim release as it found his continued detention necessary, noting that Duterte’s family not only physically resisted Duterte’s arrest but demanded that he be brought back to the Philippines.

“The foregoing illustrates Mr. Duterte’s rejection of the proceedings against him before the Court, and the will of his close family to help him elude detention and prosecution,” the tribunal said.

It added that Duterte appears to have the “necessary political contacts” and benefits from a network of support in the country that may help him abscond.

International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an independent, permanent international court established in 2002 by the Rome Statute to prosecute individuals for the most serious crimes of international concern: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Based in The Hague, Netherlands, it was created as a court of last resort to deliver justice when national courts are unable or unwilling to prosecute such atrocities.

ICC Appeals Chamber

The ICC Appeals Chamber is the highest judicial body of the International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 2002 to hear appeals against decisions on convictions, acquittals, and sentences from the Court’s Trial Chambers. It ensures the uniform application and interpretation of the Court’s legal framework, the Rome Statute, and has the authority to reverse or amend the decisions of the lower chambers.

ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I is a judicial body at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, established in 2002. Its primary role is to oversee the preliminary phases of cases, including authorizing investigations, issuing arrest warrants or summonses, and confirming charges before a trial. Historically, it has handled significant situations, such as those concerning Darfur, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya.

Philippines

The Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago nation with a rich history shaped by centuries of Spanish colonization, followed by American rule. This complex past is reflected in its unique cultural fusion of Asian, Hispanic, and American influences, visible in its historic cities, Catholic churches, and vibrant festivals. Today, it is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including pristine beaches, rice terraces, and a famously hospitable population.