Duterte, 79, appeared at the hearing via videolink, with Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc citing his prior “long journey."

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte did not appear in the courtroom for his initial hearing at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Friday. Duterte would follow the proceedings through a video link, a court spokesperson said. Copyright 2025 Thomson Reuters.

The arrest of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has given a timely boost to the International Criminal Court, which is facing U.S. sanctions and an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct by its chief prosecutor.