The International Criminal Court (ICC) is scheduled to begin the confirmation of charges hearing against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on February 23, 2026.
The Pre-Trial Chamber I announced the commencement date after recently ruling that Duterte is “fit to participate” in the proceedings.
The decision follows a comprehensive medical evaluation by a panel of independent experts, which rejected defense arguments that the 80-year-old’s health should indefinitely delay the case.
The hearing, scheduled to run from February 23 to 27, marks a critical procedural phase. During this period, ICC prosecutors must present sufficient evidence to establish “substantial grounds” to believe that Duterte committed the crimes alleged.
If the judges confirm the charges, the case will advance to a full trial.
Duterte faces multiple counts of crimes against humanity, specifically murder and attempted murder.
The charges stem from his administration’s “war on drugs” and his previous tenure as mayor of Davao City, covering a period from 2011 to 2019.
According to recent court filings, prosecutors have identified several high-profile “co-perpetrators” in the alleged “common plan” to eliminate suspected drug offenders.
These include sitting Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, as well as former police and intelligence officials.
Duterte has been in ICC custody in The Hague since March 2025, following his arrest and surrender by Philippine authorities.
While the court has approved special accommodations for his participation—such as frequent breaks and simplified questioning due to his age—it has repeatedly denied his petitions for interim release.
The hearings will be held at ICC Courtroom I and are expected to be broadcast with a 30-minute delay on the court’s official channels.