Former President Rodrigo Duterte has declined to attend the hearing on the confirmation of charges in the International Criminal Court (ICC), scheduled from February 23 to 27, 2026.

In his letter addressed to the ICC, he waived his right to attend the hearing, acknowledging the consequences of his decision, as previously explained by his counsel.

I, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, wish to waive my right to attend the hearing on the confirmation of charges currently fixed for 23-27 February 2026. I understand the consequences of my waiving this right which has been thoroughly explained to me by my Counsel and I trust him and his team to challenge the sufficiency of the Prosecution’s evidence on my behalf.

Duterte also challenged the ICC's jurisdiction over him, claiming he was forcibly brought to The Hague, Netherlands, on March 11, 2025, to face crimes against humanity charges.

I do not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over my person. I am a Filipino citizen forcibly pushed into a jet and renditioned to The Hague in the Netherlands in flagrant contravention of my country's Constitution and of national sovereignty

The former President dismissed allegations of his involvement in extrajudicial killings as “outrageous lies” asserting they were propagated by political opponents and unreliable witnesses.

The claim that I oversaw a policy of extra-judicial killings is an outrageous lie. These claims have been peddled by my political opponents for many years and, as my nation knows, they are based on the word of individuals whose credibility has been thoroughly discredited.

He also cited his physical condition, stating that he is unfit to attend the proceedings and asked the Court to respect his peace in detention.

I do not wish to attend legal proceedings that I will forget withinminutes. I am old, tired, and frail. I wish for this Court to respectmy peace inside the cell it has placed me.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Duterte expressed pride in his legacy and service to the country.

I am proud of my legacy and of my service to my countrymenaround the world. Let no one doubt my love for and loyalty to theFilipino nation.

With reports from Dante Amento

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