The International Criminal Court has initiated a pivotal four-day judicial proceeding to examine evidence against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, marking a significant development in one of the court’s most high-profile cases. The confirmation of charges hearing, which commenced Monday in The Hague, will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a full trial for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
The 80-year-old former leader, currently detained at Scheveningen Prison following his arrest in Manila and subsequent transfer to the Netherlands in March 2025, will not physically attend the proceedings. The court granted a defense request to waive his appearance despite judicial findings that he remains medically fit to participate.
Prosecutors have leveled three distinct charges against Duterte, encompassing his alleged involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018. The first charge pertains to 19 murders allegedly orchestrated during his tenure as mayor of Davao City. The second involves 14 killings of designated ‘high-value targets’ during the initial phase of his presidency, while the third charge addresses 43 murders occurring during nationwide anti-drug operations.
Human Rights Watch has characterized these proceedings as a crucial advancement toward accountability for victims of the Philippines’ drug war, which independent estimates suggest resulted in thousands of fatalities. Legal representatives for victims anticipate that a formal trial could empower additional families to come forward with testimony.
The case unfolds amid significant geopolitical tensions, with the ICC facing two rounds of US sanctions implemented since June 2025. Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s directive, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed between 2011 and 2019. A defense appeal challenging this jurisdiction remains pending.
Duterte, who maintains popularity in the Philippines for his tough stance on crime, becomes the first Asian former head of state to appear before the ICC. The hearing has sparked polarized reactions, with simultaneous demonstrations both supporting Duterte and advocating for victims registered outside the courthouse.
Following the hearing, ICC judges will have 60 days to issue a written decision determining whether the case will advance to trial.