Duterte camp hit for ‘delaying tactics’ at ICC

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February 9, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —   A network of human rights advocates supporting victims of the drug war has called out former president Rodrigo Duterte and his legal defense team over what they described as “delaying tactics” to prevent his trial from pushing through at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“We are not new to politicians activating health problems to evade trial and imprisonment,” the Europe-based Duterte Panagutin Network said in a statement.

“The ICC already ruled Duterte fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings. The Duterte camp challenging this decision is another tactic of prolonging the already delayed justice process,” it added.

Duterte’s defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman has filed two new appeals before the international tribunal.

On Feb. 2, he filed a request for leave to appeal the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision that declared Duterte fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings.

Three days later, he filed the defense’s appeal brief before the Appeals Chamber, this time on the pre-trial judges’ decision mandating Duterte’s continued detention.

Both filings are grounded on the former president’s supposed health condition, which was already reviewed by an independent panel.

Another appeal on the matter of jurisdiction remains pending before the Appeals Chamber.

In its statement, the Duterte Panagutin Network said the Duterte’s lawyer cannot use the former president’s supposed failing health condition as the independent panel’s reports have already proven otherwise.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, in its decision on Duterte’s fitness, relied on the independent panel’s reports when it ruled that he can participate in pre-trial proceedings.

Barring any other motion from the tribunal, Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing will begin on Feb. 23.