In Photo: Former President Rodrigo Duterte: “I do not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over my person”
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte has formally waived his right to attend the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for February 23 to 27, before the International Criminal Court.
In a letter dated February 17, issued from the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague, the Netherlands, Duterte said he understands the consequences of waiving his right to be present at the proceedings.
He added that his counsel had thoroughly explained the implications and that he trusts his legal team to challenge the sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence on his behalf.
Duterte also stated that he does not wish to follow the proceedings remotely through communications technology.
The former president reiterated that he does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC over his person.
Duterte described himself as a Filipino citizen who was “forcibly pushed into a jet and renditioned to The Hague” in what he called a violation of the Philippine Constitution and national sovereignty.
He further alleged that his transfer was facilitated by the office of the incumbent Philippine president through a specially chartered plane.
Duterte denied allegations that he oversaw a policy of extrajudicial killings, calling the accusations “an outrageous lie.”
He claimed the allegations were advanced by political opponents and were based on individuals whose credibility, he said, had been discredited.
Citing his age and health, Duterte said he does not wish to attend legal proceedings that he would “forget within minutes,” describing himself as “old, tired, and frail.”
He said he has accepted the possibility of dying in prison but asked the court to respect his peace while in detention.
Duterte also expressed pride in his legacy and service to Filipinos worldwide and reaffirmed his love and loyalty to the Philippines.
The letter was signed by Duterte and dated February 17, 2026, at the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague.
