In a decisive ruling, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed all charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, marking a significant step as the case transitions to a formal trial. The Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC unanimously agreed on Thursday that there are “substantial grounds” to believe Duterte is guilty of severe charges, including murder and crimes against humanity, as outlined in Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute. More details can be found in the original article.
This decision follows the ICC Appeals Chamber’s confirmation of jurisdiction over the matter, a crucial step after initial charges were brought against Duterte in September 2025. Prosecutors allege that Duterte facilitated the extrajudicial killings of thousands as part of his contentious “war on drugs” campaign both as mayor of Davao City and later as president, with these actions spanning from 2011 to 2019.
Moving into the trial phase, the ICC’s president will assemble a Trial Chamber to oversee the proceedings. This chamber, consisting of three judges who were not involved in the pre-trial hearings, will consult with involved parties to establish the trial’s commencement date. Throughout this phase, both defense and prosecution can request permission from the Pre-Trial Chamber to appeal the confirmation of charges, though it’s not automatically granted.
Duterte, who did not attend the February confirmation hearings, is required to be present at the trial, as mandated by Article 63 of the Rome Statute. Furthermore, 539 victims have been authorized to participate in the proceedings, reflecting the scope and impact of the case.
The trial, notable for being the ICC’s first full trial for any Asian head of state, has evoked varied reactions domestically and abroad. Acknowledging the development, an official from the Philippines Presidential Communications Office emphasized the importance of accountability and due process in safeguarding rights. For additional insights into this issue, Reuters offers comprehensive coverage on the implications of this trial for international law.