ICC Rejects Duterte Appeal on Registry Communications Disclosure

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected an appeal filed by former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, seeking access to internal communications between the court’s registry and an independent panel of medical experts.

In a five-page ruling dated December 23, 2025, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber ruled that there was no legal basis to grant the defense request. The court found that the requested communications were not essential to the defense’s case and that sufficient information had already been provided through official transmissions and annexed expert reports.

The chamber emphasized that the registry’s role in coordinating with experts—such as issuing instructions or facilitating evaluations—does not automatically require disclosure, especially in the absence of evidence suggesting procedural irregularities or prejudice to the accused.

The ruling further stated that the defense had already been informed of the materials relevant to the panel’s assessment of Duterte’s fitness to stand trial. As such, the court concluded that granting the request would not materially affect the proceedings.

This decision marks another procedural setback for Duterte’s legal team as the ICC continues to address pre-trial matters related to the former leader’s case.