THE HAGUE, Netherlands — On Day 2 of the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmation of charges hearing against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, prosecutors and victims’ legal representatives continued presenting arguments and evidence to the court ahead of a key judicial decision on whether the case should proceed to trial.
The hearing — part of a four day process scheduled through Feb. 27 — is focused on whether there are substantial grounds to believe crimes against humanity were committed during Duterte’s tenure, particularly in connection with the country’s so called war on drugs. The proceedings are not a trial and do not determine guilt or innocence but assess the strength of evidence submitted by the prosecution.
Prosecutors resumed their submission on the merits, detailing evidence linked to multiple incidents alleged to involve murder and attempted murder under Duterte’s anti narcotics campaign. The first part of Tuesday’s presentation addressed Count 2 of the charges, which relates to 14 victims categorized as “high value targets,” and was followed by evidence tied to Count 3, covering 45 victims of alleged murder and attempted murder.
Following the prosecutor’s arguments, common legal representatives for victims took the floor to supplement the prosecution’s case by highlighting the personal stories and impacts on families of those killed or injured in anti drug operations. Their submissions are intended to underscore the human toll of the alleged crimes and bolster the evidence for confirmation.
Duterte, who is in ICC detention in The Hague, is not present in the courtroom. Judges previously granted a defense request to waive his physical attendance at the hearing, allowing proceedings to continue with his legal team representing him in absentia.
Outside the courtroom, relatives of victims and their supporters gathered to watch live coverage of the hearing, reflecting the ongoing emotional and political significance of the case in the Philippines and beyond.
The confirmation of charges hearing will continue on Feb. 26 and Feb. 27. After its conclusion, the ICC Pre Trial Chamber will have up to 60 days to issue a written decision on whether one or more charges should be confirmed and the case referred to trial.
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