Former President Rodrigo Duterte has waived his right to appear before the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber when it delivers its judgment on his bid for interim release on Nov. 28.
In a signed waiver dated Nov. 25, Duterte informed the tribunal that he would not attend the proceedings and authorized his lawyers to represent him.
“I, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, waive my right to appear before the Appeals Chamber on 28 November 2025 at 10:30 and, consequently, instruct my lawyers to hear the judgment that will be rendered on my appeal against Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision on interim release,” the document stated.
The Appeals Chamber is scheduled to hand down its decision at 5:30 p.m. (Manila time), according to the ICC.
The waiver comes as Duterte continues to challenge the Oct. 10 ruling that denied both his “Urgent Request for Interim Release” and “Renewed Request for Interim Release,” with the court insisting that detention remains necessary under the Rome Statute.
Duterte’s legal team earlier argued that he posed no risk of flight, citing his deteriorating health and global recognizability.
“Mr. Duterte does not pose an objective risk of flight considering his physiological and psychological health conditions… and the ease with which he would be found and returned to the Court, for he is one of the most recognized political figures in the world,” they said.
They added that the former president’s “cognitive state” made it improbable for him to interfere with witnesses or obstruct proceedings.
The Defense also invoked “compelling humanitarian grounds,” referring to an unspecified medical condition in seeking temporary release.
The Prosecution countered that detention remained essential to ensure Duterte’s appearance and to protect the integrity of the case, especially given his public rejection of the ICC’s authority.
“Mr. Duterte’s continued detention is necessary to ensure his appearance at trial… considering that he does not accept the legitimacy of the legal proceedings he is subject to before the Court,” prosecutors said, citing his resistance to arrest and past remarks comparing his detention to “kidnapping.”
They further argued that releasing Duterte could endanger witnesses. (Argyll Geducos)
