FILE

THE HAGUE — Former president Rodrigo Duterte has formally waived his right to personally appear before the International Criminal Court Appeals Chamber for an upcoming ruling on his jurisdiction challenge.

In a signed document dated April 10, Duterte stated that he would not attend the April 22 hearing, where the court is set to deliver its judgment on his appeal.

“I, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, hereby waive my right to appear before the Appeals Chamber… I hereby instruct my lawyers to hear the aforementioned judgment in my place,” the waiver read.

The document specifies that the session will cover the judgment on Duterte’s appeal of the decision regarding the court’s jurisdiction over his case.

What the case is about

The proceedings stem from Duterte’s challenge to the ICC’s authority over its investigation into alleged crimes linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.

The case falls under the ICC’s probe into the “Situation in the Republic of the Philippines,” which involves thousands of reported deaths during anti-narcotics operations while Duterte was in office.

Duterte’s camp has argued that the court no longer has jurisdiction following the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019. Prosecutors, however, maintain that the tribunal retains authority over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.

Why the waiver matters

Under ICC rules, individuals may waive their right to attend proceedings, particularly for hearings that do not require direct participation.

Duterte’s decision allows the case to proceed with his legal team present, as the Appeals Chamber prepares to issue a key ruling on the jurisdiction question.

What’s next

The outcome of the April 22 judgment could significantly affect the direction of the case, particularly in determining whether the ICC can move forward with its investigation.

For now, Duterte will not be physically present — but the implications of the ruling could be far-reaching.