Duterte at the ICC: Confirmation of charges hearing

MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) is set to conduct the confirmation of charges hearing for former President Rodrigo Duterte Feb. 23, 24, 26, and 27, 2026 in The Hague, where he is facing a crimes against humanity case over the bloody war on drugs.

The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled to open February 23 at 5 p.m. (Philippine time) before the Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC.

The hearing will allow ICC judges to assess whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe Duterte committed the crimes charged; it is not yet a trial on guilt or innocence, and judges will have up to 60 days after the hearing to issue their decision.

GRAPHICS: Ed Lustan / INQUIRER.net

Pre-Trial Chamber I is composed of Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc and Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera.

“The hearing is scheduled on 23, 24, 26, and 27 February 2026 in Courtroom I. The Prosecution, the Defence, and the Legal Representatives of Victims will make oral submissions before the judges to present their arguments on the merits,” the ICC advisory reads.

GRAPHICS: Samuel Yap / INQUIRER.net

On Sept. 1, 2025, the chamber postponed the start of the confirmation hearing, originally scheduled for Sept. 23, 2025, following a request from the defense for an indefinite adjournment of the proceedings, alleging that Duterte was not fit to stand trial.

The chamber majority considered that a limited postponement of the hearing on the confirmation of charges was warranted to allow sufficient time to adjudicate the request and related matters.

On January 26, the chamber found Duterte fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings and rejected the defense’s request for an indefinite adjournment.

Having considered relevant legal principles, the medical assessment of a panel of three independent medical experts, and all of the relevant circumstances of the case, the chamber was satisfied that Duterte would be able to exercise his procedural rights and was therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings, which were thereby resumed.

GRAPHICS: Ed Lustan / INQUIRER.net

READ: ICC rules Duterte fit to stand trial; 500 victims cleared to participate

But apart from the opening of the hearings, what else is to be expected?

According to Kristina Conti, lawyer of the drug victims, her clients have been anxious about the start of the long-delayed hearings, but the chamber has already introduced measures in consideration of the former president’s health, suggesting that Duterte may be required to personally appear at the hearing.

READ: Duterte expected to personally attend long-delayed Feb. 23 ICC hearing

GRAPHICS: Ed Lustan / INQUIRER.net

But Duterte requested to skip the confirmation of charges hearing, which the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I approved on Feb. 20, ruling that the proceedings will move forward without his presence.

READ: ICC grants Duterte appeal to skip confirmation of charges hearing