Duterte Appears at ICC Trial, Supporters Weep; Critics Call Health Claims 'Delaying Tactic'

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Former President Rodrigo Duterte made an appearance at a status conference at the International Criminal Court (ICC), waving briefly at supporters in the public gallery as the session concluded. The gesture brought some supporters to tears. Unlike previous hearings, only a few supporters attended this status conference, with most of the audience comprising students touring the ICC, journalists, and other visitors. Duterte's attendance was anticipated as his counsel had not filed a request for him to waive his appearance. Seated on the defense side, Duterte appeared composed, resting his right hand on his chin. Journalists observed that he looked significantly better than reports of his health in recent months had suggested. One photojournalist described him as "looking happy" and invited them to visit the Philippines. Janet Suliman, a long-time supporter, expressed "tears of joy" at seeing Duterte in court for the first time since March 14, 2025. She and other supporters had expected him to appear in worse condition, but found him "confident" and believed he "knows that he didn’t do anything wrong." When reminded that victims' families also seek justice, Suliman commented that some killed during the drug war "fought back" against the police. Other supporters questioned the prosecution's extensive evidence, calling the sheer volume "unbelievable" and "made up." The prosecution maintains its evidence supports the charges, while Duterte's defense team has raised concerns about the disclosure of materials. Critics, including the Duterte Panagutin Network (DPN), dismissed claims about Duterte's health as a "delaying tactic." Fiona Magallanes of Bayan Netherlands and convenor of Panagutin Network Netherlands stated that Duterte's appearance "proves he has been feigning sick all this time." She argued that his current well-being "exposes the myth" of a sickly old man unfit for trial. The next status conference is scheduled for October 13. Duterte's supporters are preparing for demonstrations leading up to his trial, which begins on November 30. The Netherlands-based Duterte Panagutin Network has also planned protests for the trial's opening day. Source: GMA News Philippines