Duterte’s health valid reason for interim release, lawyer insistsMANILA, Philippines — Claiming that former president Rodrigo Duterte is already “an emaciated, infirm and incapacitated shadow of his former self,” his lawyer has again moved for his interim release from detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The filing was part of the observations submitted by parties ahead of the first review of Duterte’s pre-trial detention. Under ICC’s rules, the Pre-Trial Chamber shall review a ruling on a suspect’s release or detention at least every 120 days. According to Kaufman, the supposed deterioration of Duterte’s health may be considered a “change in circumstance” that could warrant a new decision regarding the former president’s detention. On the contrary, recent developments lend further support for Mr. Duterte’s continued detention,” he said.

Source: Philippine Star January 12, 2026 16:25 UTC