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International Criminal Court Continues Confirmation of Charges Against Duterte
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte remains in detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) as his pre-trial proceedings continue in The Hague, Netherlands, contrary to recent misinformation circulating online.
The ICC is currently conducting a confirmation of charges hearing against Duterte, which began on February 23 and will resume on Thursday after a one-day recess. The four-day hearing will determine if there is sufficient evidence to establish “substantial grounds to believe” Duterte is responsible for alleged crimes against humanity committed between November 2011 and March 2019 during his controversial “war on drugs” campaign.
Misleading claims about Duterte’s release have gained traction on social media. A YouTube video titled “FPRRD nakalaya na! Dismissed na! ICC nag-desisyon bigla! Nagka-botohan sa ICC, Duterte panalo” (Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is already free! The case is dismissed! The ICC suddenly made a decision! A vote was held at the ICC, and Duterte won!) has garnered over 34,000 views since February 24. The channel, which presents itself as a “trusted source,” has previously published content that fact-checkers have debunked.
The reality is quite different. Duterte has been in ICC custody since his arrest in March 2025, facing serious charges related to alleged killings carried out by the Davao Death Squad and during his nationwide anti-drug operations while president.
During the first two days of pre-trial hearings, prosecutors presented testimonies from unnamed witnesses who claimed to have worked as assassins for the Davao Death Squad. The prosecution also detailed their case that Duterte allegedly headed a command structure that implemented a state policy of killing suspected drug users and dealers.
“The prosecution presented evidence showing Duterte was at the top of the command line in enforcing a state policy targeting alleged drug offenders,” said a court observer familiar with the proceedings. “Witness testimony suggested the campaign disproportionately targeted impoverished communities.”
Duterte’s defense team has countered that the charges are politically motivated and that his inflammatory public statements about killing drug suspects were merely hyperbole rather than directives.
In a notable development, Duterte himself has been absent from the proceedings after signing a formal waiver of his right to attend the confirmation hearing. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I approved this request on February 20. In his waiver, Duterte continued to reject the court’s jurisdiction, characterizing his detention as a “kidnapping” and stating he preferred to remain in his cell rather than participate in what he considered illegitimate proceedings.
The court noted that Duterte’s absence was permitted based on his waiver, not for health reasons, despite earlier claims by his legal team that he was cognitively impaired. In late January, ICC judges declared Duterte fit for pre-trial following assessments by an independent panel of medical experts, though they granted “reasonable accommodations” such as shorter sessions and frequent breaks due to his age.
When the hearing resumes Thursday, Duterte’s defense will present their arguments on the merits of the case. The proceedings will conclude Friday with closing statements from the prosecution, defense, and legal representatives of victims.
The outcome of this confirmation of charges hearing will determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial, representing a crucial juncture in one of the most significant international criminal cases involving a former head of state in recent years.
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10 Comments
While the dismissal claims are concerning, I’m glad the ICC is moving forward with the confirmation of charges hearing against Duterte. Upholding the rule of law is essential, even for former heads of state.
Agreed. The ICC’s independence and impartiality are crucial in cases like this, where powerful political figures are involved. I hope the process remains transparent and fair.
This is a complex and sensitive case, so I’m glad the ICC is conducting a thorough judicial process. It’s important to let the facts and evidence guide the outcome, rather than falling for unsubstantiated claims.
Absolutely. Maintaining the integrity of the judicial process is crucial, especially in high-profile cases like this one. I hope the ICC can reach a fair and well-reasoned decision.
The ‘war on drugs’ campaign in the Philippines has been widely criticized for alleged human rights abuses. I’m curious to see how the ICC’s confirmation of charges hearing unfolds and what it means for accountability.
Me too. It’s important that the international community closely follows this case to ensure justice is served, regardless of the political implications.
Glad to see the ICC case against Duterte continues, despite the dismissal claims. It’s important to have a thorough judicial process to examine the alleged crimes against humanity during his ‘war on drugs’ campaign.
Agreed. Misinformation can be very misleading, so it’s crucial to rely on authoritative sources and fact-checking to understand the status of this case.
The confirmation of charges hearing at the ICC is a critical step to determine if there is sufficient evidence against Duterte. The outcome will have significant implications for accountability and justice.
Indeed. It’s concerning to see misleading claims gaining traction on social media. Fact-based reporting is essential for the public to stay informed on this important case.