The legal team of former President Rodrigo Duterte has formally requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) to remove two judges from his ongoing crimes against humanity case linked to the Philippine drug war.
In an 11-page corrigendum submitted on May 12, Duterte’s lawyers asked the ICC Presidency to disqualify Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera, who are currently handling jurisdictional matters in the case.
The filing argues that disqualifying the judges would ensure impartiality and uphold the integrity of the proceedings while minimizing disruption within the court’s chamber.
Previously, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 rejected Duterte’s plea to have the two judges excused from the case. The court clarified that excusal must come from the judge involved, whereas disqualification can be initiated by the parties.
Duterte remains in ICC custody in The Hague, Netherlands. A confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025.
ICC counsel Kristina Conti stated that Duterte’s election status would have no bearing on the legal process. “It will neither hinder, hasten, nor stop the ICC proceedings,” she said.