Duterte Faces ICC Confirmation of Charges Hearing Amidst Accountability Push

The Hague – Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is set to face a confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday, February 23, 2026, regarding alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s “war on drugs.” The proceedings mark a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for victims and survivors of the controversial campaign.

Arrest and Surrender

In March 2025, Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities and subsequently surrendered to the ICC to face charges of murder and attempted murder as crimes against humanity. This arrest was hailed by Amnesty International as a “monumental step for justice”, acknowledging the thousands of deaths and widespread mourning caused by the “war on drugs.” His initial appearance before the Court took place on March 14, 2025.

Current Status and Legal Challenges

Since his arrest, Duterte has remained in ICC custody in the Netherlands. Legal challenges have been raised by his lawyers concerning the Court’s jurisdiction, his detention, and his fitness to stand trial. Recent attempts have too been made to disqualify Filipino lawyers representing victims before the Court. A challenge to the Court’s jurisdiction is currently pending before the Appeals Chamber. But, in January 2026, a Pre-Trial Chamber, following medical expert review, determined that Duterte is fit to stand trial.

Confirmation of Charges Hearing

The upcoming hearing will focus on the confirmation of charges. The Pre-Trial Chamber has 60 days following the February 23-27 hearings to decide whether to confirm some or all of the charges. If confirmed, the case will be transferred to a different chamber for a full trial.

The “War on Drugs” and Alleged Crimes

During Duterte’s presidency (2016-2022), thousands of individuals, predominantly from impoverished and marginalized communities, were killed by police or individuals linked to them under the guise of the “war on drugs.” Amnesty International has documented widespread extrajudicial executions and other human rights violations, concluding that these acts constitute crimes against humanity.

ICC Investigation and Co-Perpetrators

The ICC investigation extends beyond the “war on drugs” to include potential crimes against humanity related to the Davao Death Squad, which operated even as Duterte was mayor of Davao City from 2011 to 2016. On February 13, 2026, a “Public Lesser Redacted Version” of the charges document identified eight other individuals as co-perpetrators alongside Duterte. No further arrest warrants have been publicly released as of this date.

Call for Accountability and Cooperation

Amnesty International has urged the Philippine government to fully cooperate with the ICC investigation, including enforcing any further arrest warrants issued by the Court. The organization emphasizes that the government’s surrender of Duterte to the ICC does not absolve it of its responsibility to pursue domestic accountability for violations committed during the “war on drugs.” Effective investigations and fair trials for all those suspected of involvement in extrajudicial executions are crucial.

Key Takeaways

• Rodrigo Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity at the ICC related to the “war on drugs.”
• He was arrested in March 2025 and has been in ICC custody since.
• The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for February 23-27, 2026.
• The ICC investigation also covers potential crimes linked to the Davao Death Squad.
• Amnesty International calls for both international and domestic accountability for the alleged crimes.