Duterte's ICC Hearing Deemed 'Historic' by Hontiveros, Palace Denies PH Rejoining ICC
Senator Risa Hontiveros hailed the first day of former President Rodrigo Duterte's confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague as "historic," expressing prayers for justice for EJK victims. Concurrently, Malacañang, through Press Officer Claire Castro, explicitly stated that there are currently no discussions for the Philippines to rejoin the ICC, despite calls from some lawmakers.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmation of charges hearing against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte began on February 23, 2026, at The Hague, Netherlands, marking a critical step in assessing evidence for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his drug war from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019. Duterte, who was arrested by Philippine authorities on March 12, 2025, following an ICC arrest warrant, waived his right to appear at the hearing, citing age, frailty, and rejection of ICC jurisdiction after the Philippines' 2019 withdrawal from the Rome Statute. The hearing, scheduled through February 27, 2026, involves Pre-Trial Chamber I judges reviewing prosecution evidence to decide within 60 days whether to send the case to trial.
Senator Risa Hontiveros hailed the first day of the hearing as "historic," expressing prayers for justice for victims of extrajudicial killings (EJK) and standing firm on her support for Philippines' cooperation with the ICC. She described the Senate's response to the ICC naming Senators Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Christopher "Bong" Go as co-perpetrators as a "challenging and distressing" process, noting that no arrest warrants have been issued yet and that Senate discussions are pending. Hontiveros emphasized justice for drug war victims after nine years and criticized calls for local trials instead of ICC proceedings.
Concurrently, Malacañang Palace, through Press Officer Claire Castro, explicitly stated on February 24, 2026, that there are currently no discussions regarding the Philippines rejoining the ICC. Castro made this declaration in response to House Resolution No. 809 filed by Makabayan bloc representatives on February 23, 2026, which urged the government to re-sign the Rome Statute. The resolution, filed by opposition lawmakers including ACT Teachers' Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela's Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan's Rep. Renee Co, aimed to signal the Philippines' commitment to human rights and end impunity from the Duterte-era drug war.
The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte's administration, but the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes committed during the country's membership period (2011-2019). Human rights groups including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and FIDH have urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to rejoin the ICC, citing Duterte's arrest as proof of the court's relevance and noting over 1,000 drug war deaths under Marcos since 2022. Despite these calls, the Palace has maintained its position against rejoining, with no government action reported as of February 24, 2026. The ICC proceedings continue amid domestic political tensions and international pressure for accountability in the drug war that claimed thousands of lives.
Join the discussion
What do you think? Drop your thoughts below.