The International Criminal Court (ICC) will open a key pre trial proceeding on February 23 in the case against former Philippine president Rodrigo Roa Duterte, marking the first stage at which judges will examine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to move the case toward a full trial.
The hearing will begin at 10:00 a.m. local time in The Hague before Pre Trial Chamber I, chaired by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc alongside Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera. Sessions are scheduled for February 23, 24, 26 and 27 in Courtroom I.
During the proceedings, prosecutors, defence lawyers and legal representatives of victims will present oral arguments addressing the substance of the accusations. The hearing does not determine guilt. Instead, the judges must decide whether the evidence establishes substantial grounds to believe the accused committed the alleged crimes. If at least one charge is confirmed, the case will be transferred to a Trial Chamber, where a full trial would follow.
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Duterte is suspected of crimes against humanity, specifically murder and attempted murder, allegedly committed in the Philippines between November 2011 and March 2019 during the government’s anti narcotics campaign commonly referred to as the “war on drugs.”
An arrest warrant was issued under seal on March 7, 2025 and made public four days later.
Philippine authorities subsequently arrested and surrendered Duterte to the court on March 12, 2025. His initial appearance took place two days later.
The confirmation hearing had originally been scheduled for September 2025 but was postponed after the defence sought an indefinite adjournment, arguing that medical concerns could affect the former president’s ability to participate. In January 2026, judges ruled he was fit to take part in proceedings and set a new date for the hearing.
Court officials have adopted special arrangements based on medical advice. The schedule limits hearings to four days per week, with a rest day in between sessions. Proceedings will run no longer than three hours per day and include hourly breaks to facilitate participation.
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The confirmation of charges stage is a central procedural step in ICC cases.
Prosecutors must demonstrate that their evidence reaches a threshold high enough to justify a trial. Failure to meet that standard could lead to charges being declined, amended or dismissed.
The hearings will be streamed online with a 30 minute delay through the court’s website and official social media platforms. Members of the diplomatic corps, civil society groups and accredited journalists may attend in person upon prior registration, while limited seating is available for the public on a first come basis.
If the judges confirm any charges, a separate trial chamber will be constituted and preparations for a full trial will begin, including disclosure of evidence, witness arrangements and scheduling of opening arguments.