NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Embassy Steps Up Consular Assistance For Duterte At ICC
Photo credit: Congress PH
The Philippine Embassy in The Hague is stepping up its consular support for former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
At around 3:41 p.m. CET on March 13, an ICC detention officer informed the Philippine Embassy that Duterte had requested to speak with a consular officer. During the call, the former president shared that he had undergone a medical check-up and received medical care, assuring that he was generally fine.
Duterte also requested a visit from embassy officials and sought assistance in arranging visits from his legal counsel and a family member. The embassy quickly relayed these requests to the ICC Registry, pushing for consular access as soon as possible while also following up on the visit requests for his lawyer and family.
Ongoing Consular Support
Even before Duterte's official detention, the embassy had already coordinated with ICC officials to ensure he had access to consular assistance. Upon his arrival at Rotterdam-The Hague Airport on March 12, Duterte was handed the names and contact numbers of embassy officials he could reach for support.
On March 13, Duterte also spoke with former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who is serving as one of his legal counsels.
What’s Next?
Duterte's initial appearance before the ICC is set for Friday, March 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. (The Hague local time) before Pre-Trial Chamber I. The hearing will confirm his identity, ensure he understands the charges against him, and inform him of his rights under the ICC’s Rome Statute.
The former president was arrested by Philippine authorities on March 7, 2025, following an ICC arrest warrant. He was surrendered to the ICC on March 12 and faces charges of murder classified as crimes against humanity, allegedly committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2018.
Public Access to the Hearing
The ICC has opened attendance requests for diplomats, civil society members, and the general public. Those interested must submit their requests by March 14, 11:00 a.m. (The Hague local time). Journalists must also secure accreditation before the same deadline and present valid press credentials. The hearing will be streamed on the ICC website with a 30-minute delay.
As the proceedings unfold, the Philippine Embassy continues to provide consular support to Duterte, ensuring he has access to legal assistance and communication with his family.
At around 3:41 p.m. CET on March 13, an ICC detention officer informed the Philippine Embassy that Duterte had requested to speak with a consular officer. During the call, the former president shared that he had undergone a medical check-up and received medical care, assuring that he was generally fine.
Duterte also requested a visit from embassy officials and sought assistance in arranging visits from his legal counsel and a family member. The embassy quickly relayed these requests to the ICC Registry, pushing for consular access as soon as possible while also following up on the visit requests for his lawyer and family.
Ongoing Consular Support
Even before Duterte's official detention, the embassy had already coordinated with ICC officials to ensure he had access to consular assistance. Upon his arrival at Rotterdam-The Hague Airport on March 12, Duterte was handed the names and contact numbers of embassy officials he could reach for support.
On March 13, Duterte also spoke with former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who is serving as one of his legal counsels.
What’s Next?
Duterte's initial appearance before the ICC is set for Friday, March 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. (The Hague local time) before Pre-Trial Chamber I. The hearing will confirm his identity, ensure he understands the charges against him, and inform him of his rights under the ICC’s Rome Statute.
The former president was arrested by Philippine authorities on March 7, 2025, following an ICC arrest warrant. He was surrendered to the ICC on March 12 and faces charges of murder classified as crimes against humanity, allegedly committed between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2018.
Public Access to the Hearing
The ICC has opened attendance requests for diplomats, civil society members, and the general public. Those interested must submit their requests by March 14, 11:00 a.m. (The Hague local time). Journalists must also secure accreditation before the same deadline and present valid press credentials. The hearing will be streamed on the ICC website with a 30-minute delay.
As the proceedings unfold, the Philippine Embassy continues to provide consular support to Duterte, ensuring he has access to legal assistance and communication with his family.
Mar 14, 2025
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