ICC opens hearings into former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

The International Criminal Court began pre-trial hearings on Monday (February 23, 2026) for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing three counts of crimes against humanity for deadly anti-drugs crackdowns he oversaw while in office.

The 80-year-old was not in The Hague courtroom, having waived his right to appear as prosecutors began presenting evidence to support their charges of his alleged involvement in dozens of killings as part of his so-called war on drugs.

The charges date from Mr. Duterte’s time as Mayor of the southern Philippine city of Davao and later as President, and include dozens of killings as part of his so-called war on drugs. Rights groups and families of victims hailed Mr. Duterte’s arrest in March, saying it was a step forward for justice.