MANILA—No family visits have been authorized for detained former president Rodrigo Duterte during his trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC), his family said.

In a statement, the Duterte family said telephone communication would remain accessible to the former chief executive while proceedings are ongoing.

They also confirmed that several Filipino lawyers will be present at the confirmation of charges hearing set from February 23 to 27. Those identified were Salvador Medialdea, Martin Delgra III, Silvestre Bello III, Alfredo Lim Jr., Caesar Dulay and Salvador Panelo.

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is accredited as a lawyer before the ICC and has expressed support for Duterte, was not part of the listed legal team.

The ICC has yet to release a statement addressing the family’s assertions regarding visitation arrangements.

Confirmation of charges hearing

The confirmation of charges hearing, initially scheduled for September 8, 2025, was moved to February 23 to 27 after a medical panel determined that Duterte was fit to take part in the pre-trial process.

However, Duterte will not physically attend the hearing. The Pre-Trial Chamber approved his request to waive his appearance, despite opposition from the prosecution and the Common Legal Representatives of Victims.

Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025.

He is facing charges of crimes against humanity over killings allegedly connected to the Davao Death Squad and police operations carried out during his time as mayor of Davao City and later as president.