The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (International Criminal Court) has dismissed the appeal filed by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte challenging the court’s jurisdiction over the case of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.
In a decision read on Wednesday by Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, the Appeals Chamber rejected all four grounds raised by the defense. With the appeal denied in full, the court also deemed the request for Duterte’s immediate and unconditional release as “moot.”
“Having rejected the entire appeal, the Appeals Chamber considers that the defense’s request for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Duterte is moot,” the ruling stated.
The decision effectively upholds the earlier ruling of Pre-Trial Chamber I, which affirmed that the ICC has jurisdiction over the case. The chamber previously ruled that the court may proceed with its investigation, noting that it began before the Philippines formally withdrew from the Rome Statute.
Duterte did not attend the hearing and had requested to waive his appearance. He was represented by his legal counsel during the proceedings.
His defense team argued that there was no sufficient legal basis for the continuation of the case and also pushed for his immediate release.
Meanwhile, ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti said proceedings will continue before Pre-Trial Chamber I, with a further decision expected on April 28, 2026. The upcoming ruling will determine whether the case proceeds to trial for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
