Rodrigo Duterte

Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, is currently in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where he faces trial for crimes against humanity. On 23 April 2026, the ICC confirmed three counts of crimes against humanity against Duterte, including murder and attempted murder. The charges relate to a common plan to "neutralize" alleged criminals through violence, spanning his tenure as Davao City mayor and President (1 November 2011 to 16 March 2019). He is accused of acting as an indirect co-perpetrator, ordering or inducing crimes, and aiding and abetting the Davao Death Squad and national police. Duterte was arrested in Manila on 11 March 2025 following an ICC warrant issued on 7 March 2025. His defense unsuccessfully challenged the court's jurisdiction and his fitness to stand trial due to alleged cognitive impairment. Trial is scheduled for 30 November 2026. Prior controversies include: - A 2021 Senate probe into alleged overpricing of COVID-19 pandemic supplies involving Pharmally Pharmaceutical, which linked to a former presidential adviser. - A 2017 impeachment complaint filed by Gary Alejano, which was dismissed by the House Justice Committee for insufficient evidence.