Judges of ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I open the hearing on 23 February 2026 at the seat of the Court in The Hague (The Netherlands) ©ICC-CPI (Inset) Rodrigo Duterte, Former President of Philippines

HAGUE, Feb 27: The confirmation of charges hearing in the case of The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte has concluded before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Chamber, composed of Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc and Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera, heard submissions from the Prosecution, the Common Legal Representatives of the Victims, and the Defence before closing arguments were delivered.

The purpose of the confirmation hearing is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe the suspect committed the crimes charged. If confirmed, in full or in part, the case will proceed to a Trial Chamber for the next phase — the trial. If not, the charges may be dismissed.

The hearing was conducted in the absence of Mr Duterte after the Chamber granted his request to waive his right to attend.

Judges will now begin deliberations. Under Regulation 53 of the Court’s Regulations, the Chamber must issue its written decision within 60 days of the conclusion of the hearing. The Chamber may confirm the charges and commit the case to trial, decline to confirm the charges and terminate proceedings, or adjourn the hearing and request additional evidence or amendments to the charges. While the decision cannot be directly appealed, either party may seek authorization to appeal from the Chamber.

Mr Duterte is suspected of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, allegedly committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019, in connection with the so-called “war on drugs” campaign.

At the request of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor, an arrest warrant was issued under seal on March 7, 2025, and made public on March 11, 2025. Mr Duterte was surrendered to the ICC on March 12, 2025, and made his initial appearance on March 14, 2025.

The confirmation hearing, originally set for September 23, 2025, was postponed after the Defence sought an adjournment to assess Mr Duterte’s fitness to participate. On January 26, 2026, Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled that he was fit to stand pre-trial proceedings and scheduled the confirmation hearing to begin on February 23, 2026.