MANILA, Philippines — The alleged victims of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs, their advocates, and supporters voiced disappointment on Tuesday after the International Criminal Court (ICC) postponed the confirmation of charges hearing set for Sept. 23, 2025.

Pre-Trial Chamber I ordered the adjournment following a request from Duterte’s legal team on August 18, 2025, claiming the former president was “not fit to stand trial.”

Drug war victims’ groups slam postponement of ICC hearing on Duterte

The victims’ groups Rise Up for Life and for Rights and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) described the rulingas another delaying tactic.

“Duterte is notorious for drama and antics of obfuscation. And Filipinos have seen this tactic one time too many. We will not fall for a desperate, time-worn, and calculated ploy to paint himself aggrieved,” the statement read. “Fitness for trial is a factual matter that can and should be decided soonest, so that trial on the merits can proceed.”

The groups argued that Duterte’s alleged medical condition should not derail proceedings. They noted that under Rule 124 of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the accused could waive his right to attend hearings and authorize his counsel to represent him if unable to appear.

Both the prosecution and victims’ teams have declared their readiness. Victims have filed applications to participate in the case and were now being assessed for eligibility. Advocates said many victims were eager to join the proceedings, seeing it as a long-awaited chance to secure accountability and justice.

Victims’ counsels in the Philippines vowed to coordinate with the Office of the Public Counsel for Victims at the ICC, which represents victims’ interests in the proceedings. They said they would push for the earliest possible resetting of the hearing and explore all available remedies to prevent further delays.

“Victims are determined that the trial on the merits must proceed without unnecessary postponements,” said NUPL counsel Neri Colmenares, who represents victims under Rise Up. He was joined by Kristina Conti, assisting counsel from NUPL for Rise Up and registered as assistant to counsel at the ICC., This news data comes from:http://www.aichuwei.com

The groups stressed that justice for the thousands killed in the Philippines’ drug war has been delayed for years, and warned that further postponements risk denying closure to families who continue to seek accountability before the international tribunal.