Duterte at ICC: Day 2 highlights of confirmation of charges hearing
The second day of the International Criminal Court (ICC) hearing for former President Rodrigo Duterte focused on the prosecution and victims' submissions regarding the merits of the case. The prosecution highlighted Duterte's presidential campaign built on the promise of eliminating drug offenders, which is central to the charges.
The second day of the International Criminal Court's confirmation of charges hearing against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte took place on February 24, 2026, at The Hague. This hearing is part of a four-day proceeding (February 23, 24, 26, and 27) to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial on crimes against humanity charges related to Duterte's 'war on drugs' campaign. The hearing is presided over by Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, who emphasized that this is not a determination of guilt but rather an assessment of whether 'substantial grounds' exist to proceed to trial.
On Day 2, the prosecution and common legal representatives of victims presented their case. ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Manayang led the prosecution's opening presentation, relying heavily on multiple witness statements and insider witnesses to support allegations of crimes against humanity. The prosecution charged 49 incidents involving murder and attempted murder, encompassing 78 victims connected to Duterte's war on drugs campaign. A key argument presented was that Duterte wielded ultimate influence and authority over the physical perpetrators of the crimes, establishing his responsibility for the alleged killings.
Former President Duterte again opted to skip the hearing, continuing his pattern of non-attendance despite being detained in Scheveningen since his arrest on March 12, 2025, following an ICC warrant issued on March 7, 2025. The ICC had previously confirmed that Duterte was fit to participate in the pre-trial proceedings. The defense challenged the strength of the prosecution's evidence, noting the absence of certain forensic materials like ballistics and DNA evidence.
According to human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares, the prosecution laid down a 'very methodical' and 'very strong' case on this second day of proceedings. The charges specifically include murders by the 'Davao Death Squad' (2013-2016), high-value target killings, and 43 murders plus 2 attempted murders in barangay operations (2016-2018). The prosecution argued Duterte's individual liability via a plan to 'neutralize' criminals, while the defense claimed he spoke truthfully, accused the Marcos administration of dishonesty and witness manipulation, and portrayed Duterte as embracing 'necessary evil' tactics like evidence planting. The judges will decide within 60 days after the hearing concludes whether the case will proceed to trial.
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