July 10, 2022
MANILA, Philippines — The Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has scheduled a confirmation of charges hearing on the crimes against humanity case of former President Rodrigo Duterte in sessions for four days — Feb. 23, 24, 26, and 27.
Duterte will skip the sessions following the chamber’s granting of his request.
“Today, February 20, 2026, following a request by the defence of Mr. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC decided that the hearing on the confirmation of charges will be held in the absence of the suspect,” ICC spokesperson Oriane Maillet announced.
Maillet said the chamber had assessed that the information included in the request was sufficient to fulfill the requirements of the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.
“In particular, the chamber noted that Mr. Duterte stated that he understands he has the right to be present at the confirmation hearing and the consequences of waiving this right, which have been thoroughly explained to him by his counsel,” she said.
“Moreover, the chamber considers that, in the present circumstances of the case, it is appropriate to proceed with the hearing on the confirmation of charges in the absence of Mr. Duterte.”
For more information on the hearing, you may check out this story:
Duterte at the ICC: Confirmation of charges hearing
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