The International Criminal Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber I has authorized former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to absent himself from the upcoming confirmation of charges hearing scheduled for February 23-27, 2026. This judicial decision permits the proceedings to advance despite the defendant’s non-attendance, marking a significant development in the high-profile case concerning Duterte’s controversial war on drugs campaign.
The prosecution team, led by Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, had formally contested Duterte’s petition in a comprehensive six-page submission dated February 19. The legal opposition argued that the former leader’s justification—centered on non-recognition of the court’s jurisdiction and claims of political persecution—failed to meet the necessary legal standards for excusal from physical appearance.
Court documents reveal Duterte’s defense characterized the charges as “an outrageous lie” fabricated by political adversaries, while simultaneously asserting that his involvement with the ICC proceedings amounted to being “kidnapped” by the judicial process. These statements, according to prosecution analysis, demonstrate Duterte’s continued rejection of the court’s legitimacy and authority.
The upcoming hearing represents a critical phase in determining whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to full trial regarding allegations of crimes against humanity connected to Duterte’s anti-drug initiative, which reportedly resulted in thousands of fatalities during his presidential term from 2016 to 2022.