In a development that’s stirring both national and international attention, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed the receipt of more than 300 applications from individuals who claim to be victims of the controversial war on drugs carried out during the administration of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. The news, first reported by ABS-CBN on August 23, 2025, signals a significant step forward in the ICC’s ongoing case against Duterte, who has been in the court’s custody since March of this year.
Duterte, now 80 years old, faces accusations of crimes against humanity stemming from the bloody anti-drug campaign that defined much of his presidency. The campaign, which began shortly after he took office in 2016, has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and criticism from human rights organizations, local advocacy groups, and international observers. The ICC’s involvement marks a rare instance of a former head of state from Southeast Asia facing such grave charges in The Hague.
The court’s Victims Participation and Reparations Section (VPRS) has been working diligently to inform and assist alleged victims regarding their rights and the legal process. According to the ICC Registry’s latest report, “Against this background, the VPRS received 303 application forms— a limited figure compared to the number of war on drugs victims who wish to participate in the case.” The Registry emphasized that this number, while significant, likely represents only a fraction of those affected by the anti-drug operations.
To ensure broad accessibility, the VPRS has made application forms available in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, and French. This multilingual approach aims to reach as many potential participants as possible, recognizing the linguistic diversity of the Philippines and the global Filipino diaspora. The section’s efforts are not only administrative but also educational, helping applicants understand their rights and what involvement in the ICC case entails.
Former President Duterte’s legal representation is spearheaded by British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, a figure with experience in high-profile international cases. Kaufman previously served as counsel for former First Lady Imelda Marcos, a detail he has publicly acknowledged and one Duterte is reportedly aware of. Kaufman’s leadership of the defense has drawn both attention and speculation, especially as the legal battle intensifies ahead of key court dates.
In June 2025, Duterte’s legal team submitted a request for his interim release from the ICC detention facility to an undisclosed country, citing humanitarian grounds and the former president’s advanced age. However, just weeks later, they asked the court to delay any decision on the matter, stating that they were still awaiting crucial documents and information to support their bid. The legal maneuvering reflects the complexity and high stakes of the proceedings, with both sides preparing for a pivotal confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for September 23, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Duterte camp has faced internal and external challenges. Harry Roque, Duterte’s former spokesman and a prominent figure in Philippine legal circles, has been seeking asylum in the Netherlands. Roque has expressed a desire to join Duterte’s ICC legal team, but Vice President Sara Duterte—Duterte’s daughter—has publicly suggested that Roque should focus on his asylum application instead. Roque’s situation is further complicated by an outstanding arrest warrant in the Philippines, adding another layer of legal complexity to the unfolding saga.
Vice President Sara Duterte has also been vocal about her father’s wellbeing in ICC custody. She has argued that the detention facility cannot adequately meet the needs of her 80-year-old father, describing him as a “super senior” citizen. In her view, Duterte would receive better care if he were allowed a private nurse or caregiver, a point she has raised in appeals for his interim release. Her comments underscore the personal and political dimensions of the case, as the Duterte family navigates both legal peril and public scrutiny.
As the September hearing approaches, Duterte’s camp has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the recent surge in victim participation. The silence is notable, especially as the ICC Registry’s report brings renewed attention to the scale and impact of the drug war. The Registry’s acknowledgment that 303 applications represent only a “limited figure” hints at the broader, unresolved trauma experienced by many Filipinos during Duterte’s tenure.
Adding to the courtroom drama, Duterte’s lawyers previously moved to disqualify ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan from the case, a motion that Khan firmly opposed. The attempt to remove Khan highlights the contentious nature of the proceedings and the defense’s strategy to challenge the legitimacy and impartiality of the prosecution. Such legal tactics are not uncommon in high-profile international cases, but they add another layer of uncertainty as the process unfolds.
For its part, the ICC maintains that it is committed to a fair and transparent process. The court’s engagement with victims—through the VPRS and multilingual outreach—reflects an effort to balance the demands of international justice with the realities on the ground in the Philippines. The participation of hundreds of alleged victims is a testament to the enduring resonance of the drug war’s legacy, as well as to the hope that international mechanisms can offer some measure of accountability.
ABS-CBN, the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, has played a crucial role in bringing these developments to public attention. The network’s coverage underscores its ongoing commitment to public service and the promotion of Filipino values, even as it navigates its own challenges in a rapidly changing media landscape.
With the confirmation of charges hearing set for September 23, all eyes are on The Hague—and on the Philippines. The outcome of the ICC’s deliberations could have far-reaching implications, not only for Duterte and his legacy but for the broader question of accountability in cases of alleged state-led violence. As the legal process continues, the voices of victims, the strategies of the defense, and the scrutiny of the international community will all shape the next chapter of this extraordinary story.
The coming weeks promise to be pivotal, with the possibility of new revelations, legal twists, and, perhaps, the beginnings of justice for those who have waited years to be heard.
