The International Criminal Court (ICC) has approved a request from former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to skip a confirmation hearing scheduled for February 23, 2026, according to reports from GMA Network and the Philippine News Agency. The hearing, concerning charges of crimes against humanity related to the “war on drugs” conducted during his presidency, will proceed without his physical presence.
The decision comes after a series of legal challenges from Duterte’s legal team, including arguments related to his arrest, an asylum bid, his fitness to stand trial, and the ICC’s jurisdiction over the Philippines. The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I is tasked with determining whether sufficient evidence exists to establish substantial grounds to believe Duterte committed crimes against humanity – specifically, murder and attempted murder.
Confirmation of at least one charge would move the proceedings to the trial stage. The confirmation of charges hearing was originally scheduled almost a year after Duterte’s arrest in Manila following the issuance of an ICC warrant.
Families of alleged victims have expressed hope that the proceedings will lead to accountability. According to a report by the Philippine Star, relatives of those killed during the drug war are closely watching the ICC process. GMA News Online reports that the legal proceedings represent a “bold step forward” in their pursuit of justice.
The ICC Registry has received applications for victim status from over 500 individuals seeking recognition in the case, building on the five publicly named victims previously identified, as reported by Inquirer.net. The ICC has also granted requests from Duterte’s camp and the prosecution to add more evidence for the confirmation of charges, according to GMA Network.
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I is comprised of three female judges. The court’s process, key figures involved, and the history of the case are being detailed in a special package offered by GMA News Online, titled “Day in Court: The ICC Hearings on the Charges vs. Duterte.”
As of February 21, 2026, the ICC has not publicly commented on the specific reasons for granting Duterte’s request to skip the hearing. The prosecution is expected to present additional evidence during the proceedings.
