Former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has stated that the International Criminal Court (ICC) will continue its trial on the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte, regardless of the validity of his arrest. According to Carpio, Duterte’s lawyers have the right to question the matter before the ICC but are unlikely to succeed.
The ICC’s jurisdiction is not affected by the alleged illegal arrest, which was carried out by the Philippines. The court will still acquire jurisdiction over Duterte when he is handed over, as per international law and precedent in previous cases.
During the pre-trial hearing, Duterte’s lawyer argued that his client was kidnapped from the Philippines and transported to the Hague without due process. However, Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc assured that there will be a full procedure leading up to the confirmation of charges, allowing Duterte to raise all relevant matters.
The next hearing on the confirmation of charges is scheduled for September 23, 2025.
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