Press Statement
September 23, 2025
Faced with the short-notice delay of the September 23, 2025 hearing to confirm the charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) is urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to deflect all spurious manoeuvres by the accused to delay his trial, and to urgently re-start the trial process.
While Duterte’s lawyer is claiming that he is “unfit to stand trial”, even his daughter Sara has proclaimed that her father is okay. Another daughter, Veronica Duterte, says the same.
The delay has hit the families of Duterte’s many victims, who have mobilized funds to be in-person at the Hague today to demonstrate their profound call for justice before the Court and the international community. Duterte’s brazen theatrics should not be allowed to hurt these victims’ families anymore.
Based on evidence previously presented at an International Peoples Tribunal and compiled in its first Investigate PH report, ICHRP has found domestic remedies in the Philippines ineffective in addressing the massive violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. This is why the international community must support the victims campaigning for justice while their own government neglects to render justice.
“We oppose any manoeuvres aimed at absolving Duterte or securing his interim release be squashed,” said ICHRP Chairperson Peter Murphy. “We appeal to all member countries of the ICC to oppose Duterte’s interim release. If any third party government would accept Duterte into their country, it would raise serious questions about that country’s commitment to human rights. Duterte must remain in detention and face justice in the ICC.”
ICHRP is circulating an open letter to the ICC to press it to expedite the trial and raising funds to amplify the voices of the victims’ families. A chorus of international institutions have also joined the call for justice.
KAIROS Canada, a member of ICHRP, stated: “The ICC case against Duterte is a historic opportunity to affirm the primacy of human rights and the rule of law. International solidarity remains vital in amplifying the voices of victims, strengthening grassroots movements and ensuring that impunity is replaced with justice.“
Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu, Executive Minister of Church in Mission with the United Church of Canada, also stated, “This hearing represents a critical moment for international justice… We stand with our Filipino siblings in their call for truth, accountability, and the protection of human dignity. Our hope is that the ICC will uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is done.”
The Marcos Jr. regime, which has neglected to use its power to hold Duterte – as well as military and police – accountable for crimes, must fully cooperate with the ICC investigation and cease all acts of obstruction or protection of Duterte. While the Marcos Jr government is technically beyond the jurisdiction of the ICC, there is no reason for the Marcos regime to distance itself from the trial.
“We call on the Philippine government to protect the families who have taken their cases against Duterte to the ICC, as they faced a torrent of threats when Duterte was arrested in March this year,” said Murphy. #
