Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte recently faced his initial hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) where the court outlined the charges against him and confirmed his rights as a defendant.
The hearing, conducted via video link due to Duterte’s health concerns, aimed to inform him of the charges, outline his rights, and set a date for the confirmation of charges hearing. Prosecutor Karim Khan presented allegations of murders linked to death squads targeting individuals involved in drug-related activities during Duterte’s presidency.
Moving forward, the ICC will focus on gathering and reviewing evidence, including testimonies from witnesses and victims, to determine whether the charges should proceed to trial.
The next procedural steps will likely involve pre-trial motions, where both sides can present arguments on legal and evidentiary matters. If the Pre-Trial Chamber finds sufficient evidence, the charges will be confirmed, paving the way for a full trial.
The hearing for the confirmation of charges for Duterte is set by the ICC on September 23, 2025.
