Duterte family says no visitations approved during ICC trial

MANILA, Philippines — No family visits have been approved during the trial of detained former president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC), his family said Sunday, February 22.

In a statement, the Duterte family said telephone calls would remain available to the former president during the proceedings.

The family also said several Filipino lawyers would attend the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled from February 23 to 27.

The lawyers listed were Salvador Medialdea, Martin Delgra III, Silvestre Bello III, Alfredo Lim Jr., Caesar Dulay and Salvador Panelo.

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, an ICC-accredited lawyer and supporter of Duterte, was not included in the roster.

The ICC has not issued a statement responding to the family’s claims regarding visitation arrangements.

Confirmation of charges

The confirmation of charges hearing, originally set for Sept. 8, 2025, was rescheduled to February 23 to 27 after a panel of medical experts found Duterte fit to participate in the pre-trial proceedings.

Duterte, however, will not attend the hearing in person. The Pre-Trial Chamber granted his request to waive his appearance, a motion opposed by the prosecution and the Common Legal Representatives of Victims.

Duterte was arrested March 11, 2025.

He faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with killings allegedly linked to the Davao Death Squad and police operations during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president.