Duterte's lawyers ask ICC to disqualify two judges

The legal team representing former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) Presidency to disqualify two judges involved in his case.

Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman submitted a corrigendum on May 12, 2025, requesting the disqualification of Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera due to their roles in authorizing the investigation into Duterte's alleged crimes.

Kaufman argues that Judge Alapini-Gansou should recuse herself as she is also the second vice-president of the ICC Presidency, making it unreasonable for her to remain impartial.

The legal team asserts that disqualification will ensure an unbiased and efficient judicial process, especially given the division among judges on jurisdictional issues.

ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 previously denied Duterte's camp's appeal to excuse Alapini-Gansou and Flores Liera, noting that a judge's excusal can only be sought by the concerned judge before the presidency.

Duterte is currently under the custody of the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, with the confirmation of charges set for September 23, 2025.