Duterte ICC hearing begins as ex-leader skips court

Published: 23 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The Duterte ICC hearing has formally begun in The Hague this week. Proceedings opened despite the former Philippine president refusing to attend in person. Judges at the International Criminal Court confirmed the pre-trial session would move forward as scheduled. The case marks a historic moment for victims of the controversial drug war.

Rodrigo Duterte, now 80, was arrested in Manila last year. He was later flown to the Netherlands to face allegations. Prosecutors accuse him of crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign. Thousands of civilians were killed during operations that drew widespread condemnation.

The pre-trial stage will assess whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed. Judges must determine if substantial grounds support charges of murder and attempted murder. The hearing is expected to conclude on Friday. A written ruling should follow within sixty days. If charges are confirmed, the case will advance to a full trial.

Duterte declined to appear before the court this week. In a statement released days earlier, he described himself as old and frail. He claimed to suffer from memory problems and declining health. His legal team requested that his attendance be waived. Judges agreed to excuse him temporarily, though they described the reasons as speculative.

Last month, the court rejected arguments that Duterte was unfit. Defence lawyers had argued he suffered cognitive impairment in multiple domains. However, medical assessments presented to the bench did not convince judges. The panel concluded he remained capable of participating in proceedings. That ruling cleared the path for the Duterte ICC hearing to begin.

The charges stem from a violent anti-drug crackdown launched in 2016. Duterte campaigned on promises to eradicate narcotics through uncompromising force. After winning the presidency, he publicly urged civilians to target suspected dealers. He assured police officers they would not face prosecution for killings. His rhetoric shocked many observers worldwide.

During one speech, he said he would be happy to slaughter millions. He even compared himself to Adolf Hitler in a deeply controversial remark. On another occasion, he claimed he had personally killed suspects. Those statements later became central to the prosecution narrative. Investigators argue they demonstrate intent and encouragement of violence.

The ICC investigation covers alleged crimes from November 2011 onward. That period includes Duterte’s time as mayor of Davao City. It also extends through his presidency until March 2019. The Philippines formally withdrew from the court on 16 March 2019. However, judges ruled the ICC retained jurisdiction over earlier alleged crimes.

Prosecutors estimate between 12,000 and 30,000 civilians were killed. Many deaths occurred during police operations targeting alleged drug suspects. Human rights groups documented patterns of similar shootings nationwide. Families often reported masked gunmen and unclear circumstances. Critics described the campaign as systematic and brutal.

For many families, the Duterte ICC hearing represents long-awaited recognition. Sarah Celiz lost her two sons in separate incidents in 2017. She has campaigned for accountability ever since their deaths. Speaking this week, she rejected calls for sympathy. She said her sons begged for mercy and received none.

Another mother, Llore Pasco, also lost two sons during operations. In a statement, she described Duterte as desperate to avoid accountability. She called his refusal to attend an act of cowardice. Her words echoed sentiments shared by several advocacy groups. They argue justice must not be delayed further.

Duterte strongly denies overseeing extrajudicial killings. He calls the accusations an outrageous lie. He also disputes the court’s authority over him. In a recent message, he described his arrest as a kidnapping. He claimed he was forcibly placed on a jet. He accused current president Ferdinand Marcos Jr of facilitating the transfer.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr has not publicly detailed operational decisions behind the arrest. However, his administration has signalled cooperation with international mechanisms. Duterte insists his transfer violated Philippine sovereignty and constitutional protections. He maintains that his heart and soul remain with the nation.

Despite international criticism, Duterte retained strong domestic support. Many Filipinos credited him with reducing visible street crime. Surveys during his presidency reflected high approval ratings. His populist style resonated with significant sections of society. That enduring loyalty remains visible in online discussions and rallies.

His daughter, Sara Duterte, currently serves as vice-president. She recently announced plans to run in the 2028 presidential election. Early polling suggests she would be a formidable contender. Some families of drug war victims fear political backlash. They worry about potential retaliation if power shifts again.

Yet others insist fear no longer shapes their decisions. Celiz said she lost her fear the day her sons died. She believes the court represents the only remaining avenue for justice. For her, the Duterte ICC hearing offers fragile hope. It also brings painful memories back into public view.

Legal experts note that pre-trial confirmation hearings are rigorous. Prosecutors must present documentary evidence and witness accounts. Defence teams can challenge reliability and credibility. Judges weigh whether the threshold for trial has been met. The process aims to protect fairness for both victims and the accused.

Observers in The Hague describe heightened security and global attention. Media organisations from Europe and Asia have gathered outside the courthouse. Activists held vigils honouring those killed during the crackdown. Supporters of Duterte also staged demonstrations online and abroad. The atmosphere reflects deep divisions within Philippine society.

International human rights organisations have welcomed the proceedings. They argue accountability strengthens global norms against impunity. However, some legal scholars caution that trials may take years. Complex cases involving crimes against humanity require extensive evidence. Witness protection also remains a significant challenge.

For now, the focus remains on whether charges will be confirmed. The Duterte ICC hearing is only the beginning of a longer process. A confirmation would lead to a full trial phase. That stage would include more detailed testimony and cross-examination.

As the week unfolds, families continue watching developments closely. Many have waited nearly a decade for formal judicial scrutiny. They hope the court will move swiftly yet carefully. They also understand that justice through international law can be slow.

The outcome could influence future accountability efforts worldwide. It may shape how leaders calculate risks of controversial policies. For the Philippines, it raises questions about national memory and reconciliation. The Duterte ICC hearing stands at the intersection of law, politics and grief.

Whatever the judges decide, the case has already entered history. It has reopened wounds and revived fierce debate. It has also given victims a platform beyond national borders. In courtrooms far from Manila, their stories are finally being heard.

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