Victims of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s War-on-drugs, their lawyers and supporters expressed deep disappointment at the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber’s postponement of the confirmation hearing, scheduled September 23, for Duterte’s crimes against humanity case. The ICC’s decision was released on September 8, 2025.

While upholding Duterte’s lawyers’ statements that Duterte was “unfit to stand trial”, the court limited the postponement “to the time strictly necessary to determine whether Mr Duterte is fit to follow and participate in the pre-trial proceedings.”

Atty. Neri Javier Colmenares of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) and lawyer for the victims in Rise Up for Life and for Rights, said, “Duterte’s legal team is notorious for drama and antics of obfuscation.”.  Colmenares pointed out that Duterte had used this tactic many times before and that no one will believe this desperate, time-worn, and calculated ploy to paint himself as aggrieved. If he was ill, he could waive his right to be present at the hearing and let his lawyers to represent him in accordance with ICC rules.

Meanwhile, abroad, the Duterte Accountability Network Europe also expressed similar disappointment.

Its convenor, Icai Enriquez, said “This is another bitter and unnecessary postponement that will delay justice for the families. Further delaying the legal process deepens the suffering of the thousands orphaned by extrajudicial killings and other crimes against humanity under Duterte’s violent regime.”

In related news, Secretary of Justice Jesus Remulla announced that retired police officer Royima Garma was preparing to testify before the ICC regarding Duterte’s murderous policy. She arrived in the Philippines on September 7 after the US rejected her asylum petition but flew to Malaysia on the same day to meet with ICC officials.