ICC Begins Confirmation of Charges Hearing for Former President Rodrigo Duterte

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber begins hearings for Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes against humanity case. The former president waived his right to attend the sessions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 23, 2026, 4:54 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from INQUIRER.net

The Judicial Proceeding and Duterte's Absence

The Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC formally opened the sessions in The Hague on February 23, 2026. These hearings are designed to examine the evidence presented by the prosecution to determine if there are "substantial grounds to believe" that Duterte committed the crimes alleged. In a significant procedural move, the chamber granted Duterte’s request to waive his right to be present during the sessions. ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet confirmed that the court found the defense's request sufficient under the Rome Statute, noting that Duterte fully understood the consequences of his absence.

Legal Maneuvers and Witness Protection

Leading up to the hearing, the defense team, which includes international lawyer Nicholas Kaufman and several Filipino legal experts, attempted several procedural challenges. Notably, the ICC denied a bid by Duterte’s lawyers to force the prosecution to unmask protected witnesses. The court emphasized that the safety and security of those testifying are paramount. Additionally, the chamber rejected a motion from the Duterte camp to disqualify specific lawyers representing the victims, reinforcing the court's commitment to the legal standing of those affected by the anti drug campaign.

Transformative Analysis: A Test for International Justice

This hearing represents a critical test for the ICC’s jurisdiction and its ability to hold high ranking former officials accountable. Since the Philippines officially withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, the court has maintained that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member. This case is not just about Duterte; it serves as a global benchmark for how the international community addresses alleged state sanctioned violence and whether the "Duterte model" of governance will face a definitive legal reckoning.