Duterte at the ICC: Confirmation of charges hearing
MANILA, Philippines — The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday released practical information surrounding the chamber’s confirmation of charges hearing against former President Rodrigo Duterte, which will finally take place in February.
In an advisory, the ICC said the confirmation hearing in the crimes against humanity case of Duterte is scheduled to open on Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. (Philippine time) before the Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC.
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 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 Jan. 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
So far, however, the Duterte camp has not indicated whether the former president would attend virtually or in person.
For the detailed schedule of the hearing sessions and other related details, you may check out these:
What to know about Rodrigo Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing
Possible outcomes: What happens next in Duterte’s ICC case?
On the ICC website
Other key articles related to Duterte’s ICC case:
Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC case: Journey from Malacañang to The Hague
‘Kill them all’: Policy that triggered ICC case vs Rodrigo Duterte