Ex-pres Duterte to face ICC confirmation of charges over Oplan Tokhang

Philippine Canadian Inquirer
February 22, 2026

(Photo courtesy: International Criminal Court)

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands — The International Criminal Court (ICC) is set to conduct its four-day confirmation of charges hearings on former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, starting on Monday, Feb. 23, over his crimes against humanity cases filed by families of the victims of his bloody “war on drugs” campaign that was allegedly implemented from Davao City to the country-wide level.

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I will handle the said hearings, presided over by Judge Iulia Motoc, and will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time (5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Manila Time) on Feb. 23, 24, 26, and 27.

The international tribunal highlighted that the judges will not decide on Duterte’s innocence or guilt in this pre-trial procedure. Instead, the judges will decide on the sufficiency of evidence against Duterte before a possible full trial can proceed.

While the pre-trial court has accepted Duterte’s request and right to waive his on-site and virtual appearance throughout the proceeding, the slated hearings will continue be livestreamed across the ICC’s official pages and accounts, including the official website as well as on YouTube and Facebook.