Defense renews bid for FPRRD’s interim release

The camp of former president Rodrigo Duterte renewed its bid for his interim release from International Criminal Court (ICC) custody, filing a submission dated Feb. 5, 2026, just weeks before the scheduled confirmation of charges hearing later this month.

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

In the filing before Pre-Trial Chamber I, the defense asked the Court to revisit earlier rulings denying provisional liberty and argued that continued detention is no longer justified under the standards set by the Rome Statute.

The confirmation hearing is set for Feb. 23 to 27.

The defense submission, filed by Nicholas Kaufman, represents the latest attempt to secure Duterte’s temporary release while proceedings continue, following similar applications that were previously rejected by the Court.

In its arguments, the defense contended that the legal thresholds for continued detention — including concerns over flight risk, interference with the investigation, or obstruction of proceedings — are not met in the present circumstances.