A lawyer representing victims of alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration said it is becoming increasingly unlikely that Duterte will return to the Philippines, as the International Criminal Court (ICC) continues to pursue proceedings against him.
Maria Kristina Conti, assistant to counsel for the victims at the ICC, said the court is fully aware that the alleged crimes were committed in the Philippines, a country where the Duterte family still wields significant political influence.
“The ICC knows the crimes happened in the Philippines, and the presidential family still wields power,” Conti said.
Duterte’s legal team has filed an appeal before the ICC Appeals Chamber seeking his interim release. However, Conti noted that the motion has little chance of success.
“There is a chance for the appeal, but it doesn’t prove that the pre-trial chamber made a mistake,” she explained.
Earlier, the ICC’s Office of Public Counsel for Victims urged the Appeals Chamber to reject the defense’s appeal, arguing that it failed to identify any legal error in the pre-trial chamber’s ruling.
Conti also revealed that the ICC might consider transferring Duterte to another country.
“At the minimum, it’s possible that he could be considered for transfer to another country, and they say someone has accepted him,” she said, though she clarified that the alleged acceptance “is not exactly clear.”
The confirmation of charges hearing for Duterte initially set for September 23, 2025, was vacated by the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I following a request from his defense team, which claimed that Duterte was unfit to stand trial.
The chamber granted a limited postponement to resolve the adjournment request and related matters.
Despite the delay, the ICC reaffirmed its jurisdiction over the case.
Both the prosecution and the victims’ counsel continue to oppose Duterte’s plea for interim release, citing the risk of flight and possible interference with witnesses.