The International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber has rejected an appeal by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte challenging a January 26, 2026 decision by Pre-Trial Chamber I that ordered his continued detention.

The ruling followed a review of health-related claims raised by the defense, according to an ICC press release issued on March 6, 2026.

In its judgment, the Appeals Chamber dismissed the defense’s only ground of appeal, which argued that the Pre-Trial Chamber had erred by disregarding a health report submitted by the defense on the basis that it came from a party to the proceedings.

“The defence’s report does not include any new information concerning Mr Duterte’s health condition, since the two medical practitioners selected by the defence did not conduct any new examination of Mr Duterte,” the Appeals Chamber stated. It also noted that assessing risk factors under Article 58(1)(b) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court is a legal determination that does not require medical expertise.

The Pre-Trial Chamber had earlier concluded that there were no new or changed circumstances that would justify modifying its previous decision regarding the risks associated with releasing Duterte from detention.

Duterte is suspected of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder under Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute. The alleged crimes are linked to the Philippines’ “war on drugs” campaign between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.

An arrest warrant for Duterte was issued under seal on March 7, 2025, and made public on March 11. He surrendered to the ICC on March 12, 2025, and made his initial appearance before the court on March 14.

The confirmation of charges hearing took place from February 23 to 27, 2026.

The Appeals Chamber’s decision was delivered unanimously by a panel composed of Presiding Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, Judge Tomoko Akane, Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa, Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze, and Judge Erdenebalsuren Damdin.